Doctors of Vikram Hospital based out of Bengaluru talks about the prevalence of PD is 300-350 persons per lakh population in the country
The incidence of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is rising across India with increasing life expectancy. The prevalence of PD is 300-350 persons per lakh population in the country, making it one of the most common ageing-related disorders. This information was shared by doctors of Vikram Hospital, based out of Bengaluru, at an event in the run-up to World Parkinson’s Disease Day.
While no specific numbers are available for Karnataka, the state government had in the last census specifically asked the question of whether anyone in the family is suffering from PD, highlighting its increasing incidence and recognition as a brain disorder requiring attention.
Rajeev K Gupta, author of the book Destination Unknown – My Journey with Parkinson’s, narrated his story and struggle of living with this progressive disease. A 59-year-old Bengaluru resident, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013 when he was 51. The book is about emotionally and physically coping with a life-altering illness narrated through his personal stories and experiences of living with Parkinson’s.
Dr Prashanth LK, Consultant Neurologist and Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorder Specialist, Vikram Hospital, Bengaluru, said, “Of late, more and more people in younger age groups of less than 40 years are showing symptoms of Parkinson’s which is significantly impacting their personal and family life. The reason could be multifactorial, including genetics, stress factor, poor quality of life, etc. The exact causes of Parkinson’s remain unclear. Genetics as a cause has been acknowledged in some patients. Research is being carried out to understand the genetics of Indian PD patients. This is important because most global studies currently relate to only Europeans and Americans.”
Dr Kiran S Khanapure, Consultant Functional Neurosurgeon, Vikram Hospital, mentioned, “Covid and the ensuing lockdown had a significant effect on patients of PD and Parkinsonism. It led to many of them developing behavioural changes in the form of anxiety, depression, and hallucinations, along with sleep disturbances and worsening of symptoms. Quite a few of them were unable to access regular medications or meet the doctors, adding to their problems. Parkinson’s Disease is an ageing-related disorder and has good treatment options, including tablets, injections, pump therapies, and surgeries (DBS and lesioning). No curative option is available yet, but research like gene-based therapy and modification of underlying pathophysiology may see the light of the day in the near future.”
Gupta added, “People should have some basic minimum awareness about Parkinson’s. They should remember that despite their blank expressions and slow, awkward movements, most PD patients have their cognitive abilities intact. We are as sharp as ever. Do not treat us as dull-witted. Do not pity us or sympathise with us. Rather accept and socialise with us. Managing our own tasks is important for our self-esteem and independence. We do not expect you to offer help to us but rather be patient with us if we are taking more time to accomplish the task.”
“Vikram hospital participates in research programmes on Indian patients of Parkinson’s. These include projects like Genetics of Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease and genome-wide association studies on Parkinson’s disease (funded by Michael J Fox Foundation as a part to understand the genetic architecture of under-represented communities). There is also a consortium of Movement disorders specialists working in India under the banner of Parkinson’s Research Alliance of India (PRAI) which is looking forward to any form of technical, clinical, or funding collaborations to get to understand the Indian Parkinson’s disease patients,” said Dr Somesh Mittal, MD and CEO, Vikram Hospital Bengaluru.
