(Adnkronos) – 'Mister Parkinson', an entity described as both "detestable" and an "infiltrator ready to cause damage" to those diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, has become the focal point of a new documentary set to unveil the complex nature of this neurodegenerative disease. The documentary, titled 'Dialoghi con Mr. Parkinson,' has been promoted by the Confederazione Parkinson Italia, with its premiere date set for April 12, 2025, on La7d.
This documentary aims to bring awareness to the challenges faced by over 300,000 Italians living with Parkinson's through the lens of personal stories and expert insights. According to a survey titled 'Parkinson: uno, nessuno e centomila,' which included responses from more than 500 patients and caregivers, more than half reported a high impact on their daily lives due to the disease. Symptoms range widely, from movement difficulties to non-motor issues, illustrating the complex reality of living with Parkinson's.
Vincenzo Mollica, a noted journalist, plays a significant role in the documentary with his poignant letter addressed to Mister Parkinson. In the letter, he expresses, "Detestable Mister Parkinson. I start this letter this way because you do not deserve typical epistolary courtesies; you are neither 'Dear' nor 'Kind.' Since you entered my body and inhabit it with all your special effects, I have understood one thing: you will never go away, and I can at most slow your presence. Perhaps the only way to fight you, Mister Parkinson, is to seek serenity, to continue using the weapon of irony, and to always have a smile handy for the darkest moments."
The documentary's narrative will feature candid interactions between Mister Parkinson, personified as a character, and three patients, a doctor, and a caregiver. Through these dialogues, the film seeks to dismantle the stereotype that Parkinson’s tremors are the defining feature of the disease. Surprisingly, it has been found that 1 in 2 patients do not exhibit tremors, and for many, tremors are neither the most unbearable nor the most embarrassing symptom experienced. Instead, challenges like movement slowness and muscular rigidity tend to dominate the daily lives of those affected.
Giangi Milesi, president of the Confederazione Parkinson Italia, emphasized the importance of the documentary in illustrating the multifaceted nature of Parkinson's disease. He stated, "We created 'Dialoghi con Mr. Parkinson' to share the disease's complexity that goes beyond tremors and movement issues, focusing on the resilience of patients and caregivers in response to its invasiveness. Living with Mister Parkinson is like a chess game: every time you think you've learned to manage it, a new symptom arrives to disrupt your plans."
The impact of Parkinson's on daily life, as highlighted in the survey, shows that 67% of patients experience a slowdown in their routines, while 59% report that movements have become laborious. Fatigue hampers 54% of those diagnosed, and many find limits on their leisure and work activities. These insights underline the necessity for greater awareness and understanding of the illness among the general public, especially since a significant 79% of respondents reported knowing little about Parkinson's before their diagnosis, with 63% surprised by the plethora of symptoms.
Paolo Calabresi, a distinguished neurologist and professor of neurology, adds his voice to the documentary, explaining the heavy toll that Parkinson's takes on quality of life. He shared, "Parkinson has a significant impact on individuals' quality of life, considering its numerous symptoms that can be both motor and non-motor. A wide array of manifestations requires an equally varied approach. It’s essential to help people cultivate social moments, engage in light physical activity, and explore hobbies such as dancing, theater, music, and painting that have shown positive effects on patients."
Rossella Balsamo from Zambon Italia emphasized the need for comprehensive information regarding Parkinson's, noting that 62% of patients believe their friends do not fully understand the disease and its impact, a percentage that jumps to 88% among strangers. Furthermore, 84% believe there is a necessity to discuss the array of symptoms other than tremors to provide a realistic picture of the disease.
In summary, the documentary 'Dialoghi con Mr. Parkinson' seeks not only to expose the complexities of Parkinson’s disease but also to illuminate the strength and resilience of those living with it. Despite the struggles, the personal stories shared in the film highlight a spirit of humanity and hope that characterizes the experience of living with Mister Parkinson. This critical exploration is essential for fostering compassion and understanding in society towards those affected by this debilitating condition.
