The incidence of Parkinson’s disease increases with age, with about 1 percent of people over the age of 65 suffering from the disease. Although the number of patients varies from state to state in India, various studies have shown that an average of 30 to 40 people per 1 lakh population in the country suffer from Parkinson’s disease, which increases with age. Also read – Can’t lose belly fat? Top 5 Causes That Can Lead to an increase in your belly fat – watch the video
Although Parkinson’s is primarily a neurodegenerative disease of old age (usually over 60 years of age), about 3-5% of cases are in young people. More and more cases of Parkinson’s are now being reported in the younger population due to the growing awareness. Also read – World Brain Tumor Day 2022: When Are Headaches Symptoms Of Brain Tumors?
Dr. Ritu Jha, HOD and Senior Consultant – Neurology, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad Parkinson’s affects men twice as much as women. According to some studies, the prevalence of rural population in India is also slightly higher than that of urban population. Also read – Corona, Monkeypox, Tomato Flu, Mars to Norovirus, these 8 viruses are wreaking havoc all over the world.
While Parkinson’s patients are doing very well these days with the availability of more treatment options, increasing life expectancy means that there is more disability and disease burden.
Parkinson’s patients face many challenges in terms of treatment. First and foremost is the acceptance of this lifelong disease that requires medication as long as the person lives. Other challenges include the cost of medication, access to healthcare facilities where Parkinson’s treatment is available, and adapting to the disease by modifying a person’s lifestyle to cope with the disorder. Many patients, when diagnosed, go into denial first and then withdraw, because they are not as functionally good as before.
Dr. Zha adds, “Parkinson’s patients also have a number of non-motor symptoms, such as depression, mood swings and cognitive impairment. The disease is rarely identified by doctors or family members and is therefore badly addressed. “
Treatment of Parkinson’s
Treatment of Parkinson’s has come a long way with new drugs, procedures such as deep brain stimulation and effective rehabilitation programs. Epomorphine injections and pumps are also available to reduce “off periods” when the drug, i.e. levodopa, is not working optimally, but needs to be used under strict supervision. Gene therapy and stem cell therapy are also being evaluated as new methods but are still in the experimental phase.
The government needs to partner with neuro-physicians to spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease in India, and establish rehabilitation centers and palliative care centers where care can be provided to patients suffering from advanced stages of the disease. The cost of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery also needs to be brought down so that more and more Parkinson’s patients can benefit from it.
