An interview with Jean-Louis Dufloux from France Parkinson’s on July 26, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
I am 63, married and have four children (one daughter and three sons). I graduated with a Master’s in business administration and BA from HEC Paris.
I spent ten years with Deloitte before founding my own consulting company.
Tell me a little about your background and what led you to get involved in raising awareness…
I was running a management consultancy I’d set up with other partners when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I was 51 years old. I waited five years before coming out to my clients and colleagues. I then decided to write a book (Fifty One) so that my friends and family could better understand this pathology.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in raising awareness of Parkinson’s disease and in the hope of a cure?
I have a passion for pinball machines and arcade games from the 70s, which has little to do with the disease. But I recently became involved in the fight against this scourge by accepting the presidency of France Parkinson. I’d like to see us make further progress in research by getting major companies involved.
What are the objectives of people with Parkinson’s disease when they work with France Parkinson’s?
Together with a former colleague of mine, who was also affected by Parkinson’s, I created a serious game called “le handicap contre-attaque” to fight invisible disability in the workplace.
What type of training and how long are the programs at France Parkinson’s?
This awareness-raising program lasts half a day, and is aimed at everyone, including young people. In addition, France Parkinson has numerous training programs to help volunteers, as well as patients and carers.
What effect does France Parkinson’s have on Parkinson’s sufferers?
You live better with your disease if you understand it better. That’s why I see therapeutic patient education as a priority for our mission.
What would you like to see as a future objective for France Parkinson’s?
To raise public awareness of the disease. Many people still think of it as a disease of the elderly.
What events do you take part in?
We organize a lot of events around World Parkinson’s Day through our 80 regional delegations.
How can I get in touch and sign up to help? What’s your website?
It’s all on our website https://www.franceparkinson.fr/, which we’re currently redesigning to make it even more informative.
We do not have an English presentation of France Parkinson as of now.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
As a quote, “Demain, sera un autre jour” which translated means “Tomorrow will be another day.”