TOMARES CONMEMORA EL DÍA MUNDIAL DEL PÁRKINSON CON UNA MESA INFORMATIVA DE LA ASOCIACIÓN FAMILIARES ALZHEIMER, ESTIMULACIÓN NEUROLÓGICA (AFAeN) Ayuntamiento de Tomares
In observance of World Parkinson’s Day on April 11, the community of Tomares has launched a series of awareness initiatives designed to highlight the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases. These efforts focus on the profound impact that conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have on patients, their families, and their primary caregivers.
As part of these commemorations, a theatrical production of Florian Zeller’s “The Father” was presented on Thursday, April 9, 2026. The event was organized through a collaboration between the Tomares City Council, the Asociación Manuela Cortés Espacio Expresivo, and the Association of Alzheimer’s Family and Neurological Stimulation (AFAeN). All proceeds from the performance were dedicated to AFAeN, an organization that has spent 14 years working in Tomares to promote inclusion, wellbeing, and the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.
The initiative aims to educate the public on the distressing symptoms associated with cognitive decline, including memory loss, disorientation, functional dependence, tremors, and the psychological toll of depression and social isolation. By bringing these issues to the forefront, organizers hope to increase empathy for elderly individuals facing progressive cognitive deterioration and provide guidance on how to support them.
Cognitive impairment is characterized by a diminished ability to perform intellectual or daily tasks that were previously managed with ease. While Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent form, other causes include Parkinson’s, Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and strokes. Other contributing factors can include brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, fibromyalgia, or the side effects of chemotherapy.
Medical evidence suggests that non-pharmacological interventions—such as cognitive training, rehabilitation, and stimulation—can be effective in maintaining cognitive abilities and slowing the progression of these impairments. Recognizing early warning signs is critical for intervention; these include frequent forgetfulness, language difficulties, personality changes, and a loss of initiative.
These community-led efforts underscore the ongoing public health challenge of managing neurodegenerative diseases and the vital role that specialized support associations play in improving the quality of life for affected populations.
