At the 6th International Annual Symposium that was held in Kerala, experts said that India is expected to see a significant surge in Parkinson's disease cases. The concern was also raised that India will have the second-highest number of Parkinson's patients globally.
Typically, Parkinson disease is associated to happen to people in the older age group. However, it was highlighted that younger individuals in Southeast Asia are also suffering from the disease. The prevalence rate of the disease in India is 15-43 per 1,00,000 cases, and the number is going to increase significantly by 2030.
Moneycontrol team spoke to Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director & HOD, Neurology, Aakash Healthcare, to understand more about the Parkinson's disease, its symptoms and treatment plan.
Also read: Doctor says these 3 medicines can save a heart attack patient
"Parkinson’s is a disease that affects the brain of a person, resulting in difficulty in moving. The disease occurs when the brain stops producing enough of a chemical that controls the movement of body parts. When the required amount of chemical is not produced, the body stops responding to any signal that it receives from the brain," Dr Bhardwaj explained.
Commenting on increasing prevalence of this disease in India, he said that the research is still going on into the issues. "It could be because the average life span of an individual has gone up and people are getting more exposure to various harmful environmental factors. In some families, the disease can run in the blood. Some other reasons could be exposure to certain chemicals, or lifestyle habits," he shared.
The most common symptoms of the start of the disease are shaking of hands or legs, especially when resting. People may feel stiffness in their body or lose balance. Some people may also have problems speaking clearly or even sleeping, Dr Bhardwaj told Moneycontrol.
"It can be massive. When a person is not able to do simple daily tasks and has to depend on others for it, it can take a toll on one's state of mind and quality of life," said Dr Bhardwaj.
"There is no permanent cure available for Parkinson's yet, but general shaking and stiffness can be controlled with the help of some medicines. However, we generally advise regular body movement and physiotherapy, which have a very positive impact on managing the disease. With proper treatment, many patients are able to live a normal life for years," explained Dr Bhardwaj.
It is not possible to definitely say how Parkinson's can be prevented, as research is still going on in this area. "However by staying active, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals, all these things may help one to some extent," he concluded.
Q. What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It develops when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine gradually break down or die.
Q. What are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease?
Early symptoms may include slight tremors (often in one hand), slowed movement, stiffness, smaller handwriting, reduced facial expressions, and changes in posture or balance.
Q. What causes Parkinson’s disease?
The exact cause is unknown. It is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Age is the biggest risk factor.
Q. Who is most at risk of developing Parkinson’s disease?
People over the age of 60 are at higher risk. Men are slightly more likely to develop it than women. A family history may also increase risk.
Q. What are the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
The four primary motor symptoms are tremor, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), muscle rigidity, and postural instability. Non-motor symptoms may include sleep disturbances, depression, constipation, and loss of smell.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
