More common than you think: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that disrupts the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, a vital neurotransmitter responsible for movement control.
In India, the rising life expectancy and growing population are contributing to an increased burden of PD.
Middle Age Onset PD is the most common form, with symptoms typically emerging between 50 and 70 years of age.
Levodopa, a medication that increases dopamine levels in the brain, remains the mainstay of PD treatment.
Clinical trials of Gene Therapy for PD are ongoing, with India potentially playing a significant role in future research.
Parkinson’s Disease has no cure. However, various treatment options can manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients. Dr V.P. Singh, chairman, neurosurgery and neurosciences, Medanta, Gurugram, explains the advancing treatments in India.
More common than you think: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that disrupts the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, a vital neurotransmitter responsible for movement control. While traditionally associated with older adults, PD can manifest at any age, with varying symptoms and progression. In India, the rising life expectancy and growing population are contributing to an increased burden of PD. In contrast to western countries, India grapples with a significant obstacle—PD typically manifests at a younger age, hitting individuals around 51 years old, roughly a decade earlier. This early onset has profound implications, impacting individuals during their prime working years. Additionally, the scarcity of neurologists, especially in rural areas, frequently results in delayed diagnosis and insufficient initial treatment. Studies, such as one carried out in Gujarat, indicate a prevalence rate of 42.3 per 100,000 people, underscoring a substantial burden of the disease.
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Symptoms differ as per age: The hallmark symptoms of PD—tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowed movement), postural instability—often develop gradually and may be subtle at first. Recognising these early signs is crucial for prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Types of onset: Younger Onset PD, affecting individuals below 50 years of age, can manifest with atypical symptoms such as tremor at rest, cognitive impairment and sleep disturbances. These can be mistaken for other conditions, delaying diagnosis. Middle Age Onset PD is the most common form, with symptoms typically emerging between 50 and 70 years of age. Tremor in one hand, difficulty with handwriting and changes in facial expressions are common early signs. Early diagnosis in this age group is crucial for managing PD’s impact on work and daily life. Late Onset PD is diagnosed after the age of 70; individuals may experience a slower progression of symptoms. However, cognitive decline and dementia can be more prominent in this group.
Advancing treatments: India faces unique challenges in PD management. Affordability of medications and access to specialists can be limited. Fortunately, new advancements offer hope. While there’s no cure for PD, various treatment options can manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. Levodopa, a medication that increases dopamine levels in the brain, remains the mainstay of PD treatment. However, its effectiveness can decline over time, leading to fluctuations in symptoms known as on-off periods. Another treatment is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). It’s a surgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in the brain to regulate abnormal electrical activity. DBS can significantly improve motor symptoms in some patients with advanced PD. Gene Therapy, another emerging field, holds promise for modifying genes to slow or even prevent the progression of PD. Clinical trials of Gene Therapy for PD are ongoing, with India potentially playing a significant role in future research.
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Published By: Aditya Mohan Wig Published On: May 13, 2024
