Awareness, timely diagnosis key to managing Parkinson’s

On World Parkinson’s Day, observed on April 11 every year, doctors call for raising more awareness. They also state that early diagnosis and timely treatment can help those with the condition lead a life of quality.

Almost every time Dr Vijayashankar Paramanandam, Consultant – Interventional Neurology, Gleneagles Global Health City, diagnoses a patient with Parkinson’s, it is at an advanced stage. “People usually assume that symptoms of the condition like tremors and other common ones like depression and mood swings are part of the natural ageing process,” he says. “It may not always be so.” 

Parkinson’s is caused when the dopamine or a chemical substance in the brain begins to deplete. The condition is characterised by tremors, loss of smell, and constipation and usually strikes those in the age group of 55 years and above. According to Dr Vijayashankar, Asians are at more risk of developing Parkinson’s than their Western counterparts. “We don’t have a local study to ascertain the exact rate of prevalence in India. But, it is believed that those involved in farming are at risk, due to their constant exposure to pesticides,” he adds. He also says that more often he sees patients with a family history of the condition. “Head injury and stroke can also be a trigger for Parkinson’s,” he says. 

Dr Sathish Kumar V, Consultant Neurologist, Fortis Malar Hospital, says that the quality of life, after diagnosis, is predominantly dependent on the stage of the condition. “In the early stages, with treatment, the patient can also be on his own and undertake activities like driving. The condition can take a toll on the patients, especially when they tend to lose balance and cannot navigate through narrow passages. It causes a great deal of embarrassment to them, making them a recluse,” he says. 

Experts add that there are tablets that can substitute dopamine and alleviate symptoms. “However, when 75 per cent of the dopamine has depreciated, only a procedure like deep brain stimulation can offer benefits,” says Dr Vijayashankar. 

Keeping in mind the role of caregivers, Global had launched a Parkinson’s Disease Support Group on April 11 last year. The group with over 50 members including caregivers and patients, is educated about the disease and the complications, while the doctors dispel their worries and doubts. Dr Vijayashankar says, “We also take up community and psychological issues, and help them find a solution during the meeting conducted every three months.” 

Dr Sathish says that caregivers have their roles cut out to help patients cope with the condition. “For example, the wife or husband may not understand why their spouse is behaving in a particular way, They might come across as frustrated or angry, but the partner has to be receptive about it. There has to be a coordination between the two,” he says. 

He also points out those with the condition would undergo sudden changes in their personality. “They could show signs of hypersexuality, hyper religiosity, etc. The caregiver has to be aware of these and extend support,” he says. 

Tremor or shaking 

Loss of smell 

Trouble sleeping 

Trouble moving or walking 

Constipation 

Dizziness or fainting 

According to the Hoehn and Yahr scale, Parkinson’s disease has the following five stages: 

Stage I: Symptoms are only on one side of the body 

Stage II: Symptoms are on both sides of the body 

Stage III: Balance is impaired 

Stage IV: Assistance is required to walk and other symptoms are severe 

Stage V: Wheelchair bound