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Franklin Cudjoe discusses living with Parkinson's disease and urges regular health checks

Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has called on Ghanaians to prioritize regular health check-ups, highlighting the increasing prevalence and high cost of managing neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease. In an interview on Starr Chat, Cudjoe emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that Parkinson's symptoms often begin gradually, making routine medical examinations crucial, especially with age. He explained that the disease results from declining dopamine levels in the brain, affecting movement and coordination, and can cause symptoms such as shaking and slowed movement, which are sometimes mistaken for intoxication. Cudjoe shared details of his own experience, stating that his medication's effectiveness lasts only about four hours, necessitating careful scheduling. He also revealed the high cost of his medication, approximately $60 to $100 every six days, depending on the combination. Cudjoe expressed concern for individuals without financial support systems, as Parkinson's is an expensive disease. He also pointed out that neurological conditions like Alzheimer's are no longer exclusive to the wealthy but are affecting all social classes due to lifestyle and environmental factors. Furthermore, Cudjoe raised an alarm about the limited number of neurologists in Ghana, estimating only 14 to 15 specialists for the entire country, which contributes to delayed diagnoses. He urged government authorities to invest in neurological healthcare, improve ac