Parkinson Group to create awareness about disease
A 63-year-old man suffering from Parkinson’s disease is advocating the establishment of more neurosurgical units at hospitals to help people with the disease.
Advertisement
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Accra, Mr Jervis Djokoto said although there was no cure for Parkinson’s disease, neurosurgery could significantly reduce many of its debilitating effects.
“Unfortunately, there are only three neurosurgical units in Ghana, even though it is estimated that more than 100,000 people in the country could be suffering from the disease. This situation is partially because the disease is not seen as a serious health problem in our society,’’ he said.
He added that as a result of the symptoms associated with the disease, many sufferers avoided interacting with other people and also shunned public places because of its apparent stigma and added that “this is a disease that can make one mentally depressed”.
Others, he said, also lived in self-denial by refusing to seek medical help or other interventions.
Support group
In view of this, Mr Djokoto, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2003, said he planned to establish an organisation to provide support for people living with the disease and also create awareness of it.
Known as the Parkinson Disease Support Group of Accra, the non-profit organisation will create a platform for people suffering from the disease to share their experiences and also encourage and educate them on how to maintain healthy lifestyles.
“The aim is not to replace the work of the medical professionals. It is a self-help group that will encourage its members to take the appropriate measures to ensure stability in their lives. There will be lots of interactions with medical experts such as neurologists, clinical psychologists, pharmacists,’’ he added.
Other Trending Stories
According to him, barring any hitches, the organisation would formally be launched in April 2016.