One of the many consequences of the economic crisis in Venezuela is the high cost of medicine. It's especially difficult for elderly patients who suffer from Parkinson's disease and cannot afford their treatment.

Venezuelan pensioners living with the degenerative disease are among the most vulnerable groups facing challenges such as a lack of medicines and costly long-life treatment.

Maria Alarcon spends most of her day in her living room located in a poor neighborhood of Petare, west of Caracas. She's been suffering from Parkinson’s for two decades.

The 83-year-old lost her ability to walk three years ago.  

María is facing the most advanced stage of Parkinson's showing all symptoms like tremors, stiffness and limited motion. 

“I’m sitting here all the time, because I can’t walk,” explains María. “I’m always sitting here.” She’s speaking while shaking helplessly.

Maria’s daughter, Jessica Puente, buys her food and pays for her medicine. It’s a financial burden for the low-income family.

"I can’t cover all medicines. Either I buy medicines or food,” says Puente. “I can’t pay for a neurologist either.”

On average, treatment for Parkinson’s costs around $200 a month, and a private consultation with a neurologist $50.

The monthly minimum wage in Venezuela is less than $10, not enough to even pay for one drug.

The government provides some medicines free of charge, but deliveries are sporadic.

At the moment, there’s no cure for the brain disorder; only treatment and surgery to ease the symptoms. Advocates estimate about 40,000 people are living with Parkinson's in Venezuela.

Venezuela’s long-term economic crisis has shut down local production of Parkinson's drugs. Medicines are imported. The government blames U.S. sanctions for the shortages, but patients say the problem began long ago.

Neurologist Roberto Contreras says Parkinson's drugs are essential for managing the disease.

"As the years go by, Parkinson’s patients need to add new medications,” says Contreras. “And the medicines we need to add are not available here in Venezuela.”

Most Parkinson’s patients develop other medical issues that need to be treated as well. 

Jessica Puente hired Jenni Diaz who helps her to keep track of the pills her mother needs every day, while she’s at work. 

“When she doesn't have her medication, she would shake a lot and would get nervous,” says Díaz. “That's what happens when she runs out of medicine, and then she’s paralyzed.”

Maria Alarcon requires constant help moving around the house. For now, she has to rely on donations, medicines from abroad, and the love of her family to keep her alive.

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