The Malta Parkinson's Disease Association has launched a Parkinson's Awareness Week and announced Kate Gonzi as one of its patrons.

Activities started today with information stands having been set up in various localities. Information events will continue throughout the week, and activities close with a fund raising concert by Marie Therese Vassallo voice studio and members of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. It will be held next Monday at St Andrew's Scots Church in Valletta. (Lynda Cuthberth 21462880)

Association president Anne Downing said some 800 people suffered Parkinson's in Malta. Many, she said, hoped it would go away and they hid it. However this was a condition which could not be cured, and the purpose of the campaign was therefore to ensure that patients found the care they needed.

Parkinson's in a progressive neurological disorder caused by the destruction of nerve cells in the brain that produce the neuro transmitter Dopamine. Patients with Parkinson's lose certain specific nerve cells leading to symptoms like tremors, stiffness of muscles and slowness of movement.

Ms Downing said Malta needed at least one nurse specialised in Parkinson's Disease, but even little things meant a lot to patients, such as helping them do up their shirt buttons.

Mrs Gonzi underlined the need for solidarity with patients and said that even talking to them could be a lifeline.

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