Offering a different day in life for those who suffer of Parkinson disease – this was the motto of a special session for patients, family, and friends, held by Hospital da Luz Coimbra on April 11, the World Parkinson’s Day . Throughout the day, the Hospital was a vibrant convivial space, with lectures, exhibition of works created by patients, and physiotherapy exercises, thus raising awareness to the increasing prevalence of a disease affecting all age groups. “The intention was to offer a space to share knowledge and experiences, in a welcoming environment, gathering patients, families, friends and health professionals dedicated to this pathology, where everyone could feel at ease to listen, talk, share and clear doubts”, explains neurologist Ana Morgadinho Carvalho , the coordinator of the Neurology team that promoted the initiative. The session started in the hospital’s auditorium with interventions by Ana Morgadinho Carvalho, Diogo Carneiro , neurologist, and professor Mário Fortes. In his intervention, Diogo Carneiro highlighted, for instance, the importance of music and musical rhythm for people with Parkinson. On its turn, Mário Fortes launched a challenge to all present: “Gradually, and as a team, we can accomplish extraordinary differentiating things, guiding people with Parkinson towards a happier reality. How? Through outdoor training: taking people to nature, thus developing their mindset, emotions, and psychomotricity”. In the auditorium lobby, patients were invited to exhibit their art works, namely paintings and drawings. In another space, the hospital’s physiotherapy team did a few exercises with patients, giving useful advice towards maintaining mobility in everyday life. It was a different day with a fundamental purpose: “improving the quality of life of patients and families that also need help”, pointed out Ana Morgadinho Carvalho. Hospital da Luz Coimbra, which has a team dedicated to movement disorders, has been developing this kind of initiatives precisely to “talk about the disease in a more informal way, which benefits everyone”.
