World Parkinson’s Day, observed annually on April 11th, serves as a global platform to increase awareness about Parkinson’s disease, promote preventive measures, and advocate for ongoing research towards finding a cure. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide, impacting their mobility, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, impaired balance, and slowness of movement. While the exact cause of Parkinson’s remains unknown, various factors, including genetic predisposition and environmental influences, are believed to contribute to its development.
“Untreated Parkinson’s worsens over years, potentially leading to brain function deterioration and early death. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) benefits 75% of patients, reducing medication reliance and enhancing life expectancy. Awareness about DBS benefits could mitigate its high costs. Proper treatment improves quality of life, alleviating symptoms like slowness and tremors that hinder daily activities and social interactions. Medication reduces tremors and enhances mobility, enabling a more normal life”. – Dr. Animesh Kar, Neurology Consultant Narayana Hospital RN Tagore Hospital, Mukandapur.
“Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder, depleting dopamine and affecting movement due to nerve cell damage in the brain’s basal ganglia. Parkinson’s disease is often misunderstood. While it primarily affects movement, it’s a multisystem disorder with non-motor symptoms like hyposmia, constipation, and depression. Tremors aren’t universal, and not all tremors signify Parkinson’s. Treatment extends beyond medication to include surgical options like Deep Brain Stimulation, along with lifestyle modifications like exercise and a Mediterranean diet. While not directly fatal, Parkinson’s impacts quality of life, increasing risks of falls and infections. It’s not exclusive to the elderly, with up to 10% experiencing Young Onset Parkinson’s disease”. – Dr. Arindam Ghosh, Consultant Neurologist, Narayana Hospital, Howrah.
Preventive measures play a crucial role in managing Parkinson’s disease and improving the quality of life for patients. Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management, can help mitigate symptoms and slow down disease progression. Additionally, avoiding exposure to environmental toxins and maintaining overall brain health through mental stimulation and social engagement are vital aspects of preventive care.
In commemoration of World Parkinson’s Day, let us unite in solidarity with the Parkinson’s community, supporting individuals living with the disease, honoring caregivers, and advocating for continued research funding and healthcare resources. Together, we can raise awareness, empower patients, and work towards a future free from Parkinson’s disease.