In this instalment of the Real World Stories series, we had a conversation with Jordi Cruz Gomez, a physiotherapist at the Asociación Parkinson Madrid (APM) who also lives with Parkinson’s disease himself. Jordi is currently training to represent Spain in Climbing at the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.
How did you learn about IDEA-FAST? Has it changed the way you approach your diagnosis? For example, have you learned more about digital devices or changed your expectations about disease management?
I learned about IDEA-FAST through Asociación Parkinson Madrid (APM), and decided to take part in the project. Over the past few months, I’ve also participated in other initiatives that use different digital devices to track motor fluctuations, bradykinesia, and other Parkinson’s symptoms. Thanks to these experiences, I’ve realized that there are new and more effective ways to understand and manage this condition. Monitoring fatigue, sleep, and motor symptoms with these tools could change the way I approach both daily life and long-term planning.
One example of how my expectations have changed is a personal project I’m deeply involved in, called DREAMING AWAKE. My goal in this project is to compete in the 2028 Paralympic Games in LA in the sport of paraclimbing. Through it, I aim to raise awareness and promote understanding of Parkinson’s, while also inspiring others, both patients and their families.While it is a very ambitious challenge, this new, technology-supported approach to disease management could help to better handle training loads, manage fatigue, and improve sleep. Projects like IDEA-FAST not only help us monitor symptoms, but they can also help make dreams like mine feel more achievable.
What role, if any, do digital devices play in helping you manage your symptoms or monitor your health?
I’m currently beginning a pilot study with my sports psychologist to monitor training loads and better understand how my body responds to physical effort. We’re using digital devices that allow us to make more informed decisions, such as when to ease off or pause training to avoid overexertion. These tools are helping me listen to my body in a more objective and precise way, which is especially important.
Have you had any positive experiences, achievements, or personal growth despite the challenges of your diagnosis?
Living with Parkinson’s myself and working as a physiotherapist with people who share the condition has brought a deep meaning to my career. It’s allowed me to connect with others on a more human and empathetic level, and I’ve shared truly special moments that I might not have experienced otherwise.
Choosing to face it with purpose has led to personal growth and a more meaningful path, both professionally and personally. There are times when I even feel a sense of gratitude for having Parkinson’s—not for the disease itself, but for the perspective it’s given me.
As part of that journey, through the practice of climbing, I’ve competed in several championships, winning medals that I later donate to organizations supporting people with Parkinson’s. It’s a way to show others living with the condition that so much is still possible—and to inspire through action. In turn, they inspire me, creating a shared sense of achievement where everyone wins.
How do you imagine IDEA-FAST could impact patients in the future?
I believe IDEA-FAST has enormous potential to transform the way we manage Parkinson’s.
By providing objective, real-world data on symptoms like fatigue and sleep, it can help evaluate the effectiveness of treatments such as medication and adjust them more precisely to each patient’s needs. It could also become a powerful tool for physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals, enabling them to monitor how patients respond to different therapies and adapt exercise programs accordingly.
With this kind of personalized insight, interventions could become much more targeted, efficient, and meaningful for each individual.
You can follow Jordi’s Personal Instagram Profile at:
@ParkinsonClimbingDreams
