Parkinson’s is a chronic brain disease, but it is also a lived story about time. Over decades, people with Parkinson’s and their families navigate the gradual progression of the disease, while scientists in the laboratory accelerate and rewind the maturation of brain cells to better understand its mechanisms. Time is also embodied through rhythm and movement in dance classes for Parkinson’s. This social scientific film project “SPOOL” explores what it means to live well with a chronic disease while awaiting scientific breakthroughs.
reNEW research
Through filmmaking, workshops and visits to patient homes, dance studios and laboratories, the project explores how Parkinson’s is experienced across different timescales, from everyday life to scientific research. Bringing together patients, dancers and researchers, the project has created a community of people who rarely meet but share valuable knowledge. The project asks: what insights arise from such a community? And what do they tell us about life with Parkinson’s and the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs?
Image description
Film still image, showing Dance for Parkinson’s in a laboratory with patients, dancers and researchers.
Credits
Tine Friis, Postdoctoral Researcher, PREPARE, reNEW Copenhagen.
Eduardo Abrantes, artist and filmmaker.
Josefine Rågård Christiansen, PhD student, Kirkeby lab, reNEW Copenhagen.
Louise Saviø Piilgaard, Postdoc, Kirkeby lab, reNEW Copenhagen.
