Tehran – The incidence of Parkinson’s disease in Iran is 40% higher than the global average, according to the vice president of the Parkinson Association in Iran.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by tremor, muscle stiffness, slow movement and balance issues.
Currently, there are no treatments for Parkinson’s disease worldwide. Treatment helps reduce exercise symptoms, and IRNA quotes Mohsen Mir-Mohammadi as saying.
Officials made their remarks on the occasion of World Parkinson Day, which is observed annually on April 11th. This day serves as a global moment of awareness, encourage restoration and hope for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
The incidence of Parkinson’s disease is rising domestically, with the estimated number of people with Parkinson’s disease in Iran currently reaching over 250,000 cases.
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but people with a family history of the disease are at higher risk. Stress, excessive use of agricultural pesticides, and parasites are the main factors in Parkinson’s disease. Many Parkinson’s symptoms are caused by the loss of neurons that produce chemical messengers in the brain called dopamine. A decrease in dopamine leads to irregular brain activity that causes movement problems.
Referring to patient issues, officials said Parkinsonians face many problems. It is primarily a lack of proper access to quality medicines and appropriate insurance coverage.
“The costs of treatments such as drug therapy, speech therapy and proper nutrition reach the 300 million rial (approximately $300), which most people can’t afford.
The association plans to launch a specialized clinic for patients with movement disorders in Tehran, Mir-Mohammadi added.
He invited ministries, government agencies, local governments and other organizations to work with the Foundation to help identify and organize the condition of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease presents a rate of disorders and a need for care. Many people with illness also develop dementia. The disease usually occurs in older people, but younger people can also be affected. Men are more affected than women.
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