Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric condition affecting both body and mind, leading to reduced quality of life and affecting personal relationships. For women specifically, many subtle aspects of the broad symptomatic spectrum are often overlooked or insufficiently managed by medication alone. Gender differences and social expectations can increase the physical and emotional burden on women, negatively influencing body perception and the expression of femininity.
The Professional Team
The project and the associated study were conducted by an all-female international team:
- F. De Bartolomeis: Psychomotrician, coordinator, and head of the professional team at the FuerteVida Parkinson No Limits Association in Fuerteventura (Canary Islands), Spain.
- S. Della Morte: Psychotherapist at the FuerteVida Parkinson No Limits and ParkinZone A.p.s. associations.
- E. Berti: Clinical Psychologist and PhD Candidate in Neuroscience at the Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.
- N. Modugno: Department of Neurology, IRCCS INM Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
- F. Morgante: Professor of Neurology and Eleanor Peel Chair in the Study of Aging at St George’s University of London; Honorary Consultant Neurologist at St George’s University Hospital; Lead of the Movement Disorders research and advanced therapies team.
- L. Ricciardi: Senior Lecturer and Neurologist at St George’s University of London in the Movement Disorders advanced therapies team; lead of the holistic care clinic; researcher in neuroscience and cell biology.
Objectives and Methodology: A Holistic Approach for Women
The core objective of the “Be Woman” project is to improve the quality of life and the psychological and physical well-being of women with Parkinson’s by identifying their specific needs through a tailored, integrated, and holistic rehabilitative approach.
The program consists of several essential phases:
- The Immersive Experience: A one-week outdoor therapeutic program set in the beautiful environment of Fuerteventura.
- Proposed Activities: The expert team combines Parkinson No Limits method activities with adaptive sports, the power of nature, and Mindfulness and Compassion-based meditations.
- Psychological Work: All inputs focus on psychoeducation, emotional regulation, and psychological support to foster a stronger sense of self and help participants develop a new life project for the future.
- Continuity at Home: After the week of group activities on the island, support continues through monthly online group meetings designed to enrich international communities of women with Parkinson’s and strengthen relational bonds.
Results and Social Impact
Beyond being a profound human experience, “Be Woman” is a formal scientific research protocol: participants undergo neuropsychological assessments both before and after treatment.
The initiative has proven to be both feasible and highly effective in enhancing quality of life and psychological well-being for women with Parkinson’s. Preliminary results indicate significant improvements in total Quality of Life scores (PDQ-39 ), particularly in the subscales of mobility, daily living activities, and physical discomfort. A significant reduction in persistent anxiety levels was also observed (PAS scale ). Now in its fourth edition, the project stands out internationally as a highly innovative outdoor therapeutic program. destaca internacionalmente como un programa terapéutico al aire libre altamente innovador.
Poster presented at the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix (WPC2026)
