An event where table tennis becomes a source of hope for individuals facing neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson's. The aim is to highlight the positive health benefits that playing table tennis can bring to those with Parkinson's. This is more than just a game; it's an opportunity to foster social connections. Participants and their families can come together and share experiences. The event is a part of the World Table Tennis for Health Festival, 23-27 October, in France.
Today, around 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's disease, a neurological condition that primarily affects those over 60, though about 10% of cases occur in individuals under 50. As the fastest-growing neurological disorder, the number of people living with Parkinson's is expected to double to 20 million by 2050. While there is no cure yet, medications, surgical options, and most importantly lifestyle changes, are available to help manage symptoms and quality of life.
Parkinson's disease results from the brain's reduced ability to produce dopamine, impacting movement and balance. Common symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, and slow movement. Physical activity, particularly sports, is vital for managing the condition. The ITTF Foundation's World Parkinson's TT Championships promote activity, camaraderie, and competitive spirit while enhancing reflexes, alertness, and coordination. With 150 players participating in France, TT will change their lives!
Over 500 players and caregivers have benefited from the first three World Parkinson's TT Championships, and this 4th edition sees record participation from 25 countries. Our long-term goal is for nations to adopt regular TT sessions for people with Parkinson's, offering lasting benefits like improved hand-eye coordination, balance, reflexes, and cognitive function. The Championships prove to be a catalyst as well as a sense of purpose to be active regularly and fight Parkinson's head-on!
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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