In this article, Dr Rajas Deshpande- Consultant Neurologist, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, explores how Parkinson’s disease is emerging as a major public health challenge in India and how modern treatment options are reshaping the outlook for patients and families. Drawing on his clinical experience, he explains the growing burden of Parkinson’s in an ageing population, the often-overlooked early symptoms, and the impact of both motor and non-motor features on daily life. He then discusses current medical, surgical and rehabilitative therapies, highlights the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care, and shows how specialised centres and coordinated treatment are bringing new hope to those living with Parkinson’s across the country.
Parkinson’s disease isn’t just a medical condition; it’s a slow, stubborn thief that steals movement, confidence, and sometimes even joy from everyday life. Parkinson’s is no longer just a rare Western ailment. Experts warn we’re heading toward a surge: India could soon rank second globally in cases, with projections showing a sharp rise by the year 2030. Currently, prevalence hovers between 15 and 43 per 100,000 people, which is low when compared to the West, but the number of cases is growing as our population ages. India houses about 10% of the world’s Parkinson’s burden, touching millions quietly.
Think of it like this: every tremor you see in an elder’s hand isn’t just “old age.” It’s often Parkinson’s, the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s. Unlike diabetes or hypertension, it creeps in without warning: no sudden pain, just a gradual stiffening, a softer voice, and a shuffle that families dismiss until it’s undeniable. The hallmark of Parkinson’s, or the surest symptom, is the resting tremor, hands shaking like they’re holding an invisible cup of chai, especially when relaxed.
However, that’s only the start. Imagine your dad struggling to button his kurta, or your mom freezing mid-step while crossing the street. Rigidity makes muscles feel like wooden logs; bradykinesia (meaning “slowing”) slows every action to a crawl, writing shrinks to a tiny scrawl, and walking turns into a cautious shuffle. Then there’s the mask-like face: emotions locked behind a blank stare, making loved ones wonder what the individual is feeling at that moment, whether they are happy, sad, blank, or just stuck.
There are three types of treatment options available for patients with Parkinson’s disease. The first one is a combination of different medicines, titrated as per patients’ requirements, combined with lifestyle changes and physiotherapy. This option works best in almost 70 to 80% of cases. The second option is surgery called deep brain stimulation, or DBS, where electrodes are inserted in certain areas of the brain and activated through an external controller to reduce the symptoms. This needs precision, technology, as well as expertise and is quite costly. Results are not guaranteed. The third option is still limited in use and involves ultrasound wave treatment on one side of the brain that can help control symptoms in some cases.
Non-motor signs hit harder. Depression creeps in; 40% of Parkinson’s patients report feeling depressed. Fractured sleep, vivid dreams, or insomnia are common symptoms. Constipation, drooling and loss of smell arrive early, often years before tremors. In India, many ignore them, blaming stress, pollution, or old age.
Early diagnosis matters, as it expands access to proper medical care. Medicines like levodopa work best when started soon, but stigma keeps people silent and limits their access. However, the good news is that Parkinson’s isn’t fatal, and it’s manageable. Treatment starts with meds. Levodopa-Carbidopa remains gold standard. These generic medicines are easily available and affordable, yet side effects like dyskinesia (unwanted movements/jerks) or “on-off” swings might continue.
Physical therapy, in addition to proper medication, remains the gold standard of treatment. Simple exercises, big arm swings, marching in place, tai chi fight freezing and balance loss. A 68-year-old Parkinson’s patient of mine started doing yoga as part of her treatment plan, and it helped her retain her capability to safely walk moderate distances, allowing her some amount of autonomy over her movements. Speech and swallow therapy, diet modification, and lifestyle changes help a lot.
For families, caregiving is the real marathon. In our joint-family culture, it’s often daughters-in-law or wives/husbands who bear the responsibilities of feeding, bathing, and lifting. Burnout is real: depression hits caregivers too.
Parkinson’s steals motion, not love. With knowledge, meds, therapy, and each other, you can reclaim what it takes. Together, India can face this quietly rising tide not as victims but as warriors. One step, one pill, one hug at a time, and ensuring they are treated at the earliest at centers of excellence and multidisciplinary tertiary hospitals for the best possible management of this condition.
Recently, there have been rising incidents of Parkinson’s and early presentations in age groups even in their 30s and 40s in India. This can be attributed to extreme pollution; insecticide-ridden products in the market, including vegetables; poor lifestyle choices; increased stress; and reduced sleep. Multidisciplinary treatment combines neurologists, swallow and physical therapists, and neuropsychologists for one detailed evaluation, delivering personalized medication, exercises, and caregiver guidance, making care more coordinated, accessible, and effective for patients and families. Specialist facilities for Parkinson’s patients are being introduced in select premier hospitals, and this marks a great shift in how Parkinson’s is treated in India.
