India emerging as the global hub of Parkinson’s patients: Dr Purohit

New Delhi/Nagpur: With Parkinson’s disease (PD) prevalence rates ranging from 15 to 43 per 100,000 population, India is emerging as a leading hub of patients with this neurological condition. With such statistics, India is poised to have one of the highest absolute numbers of PD patients globally revealed noted Epidemiologist Dr Naresh Purohit at a CME programme on “Battle Against PD” on the occasion of World Parkinson’s Day organised by Nagpur based AllMS.

Sharing his insights on this neurological disorder ,Advisor-National Mental Health Programme said that nearly 40-45% of these Indian patients experience the early onset of motor symptoms between the ages of 22 and 49, categorizing them as having early onset Parkinson’s disease.
Renowned disaster mental health expert pointed that in the past two decades, its prevalence in India has increased to 300-400 people per lakh population.
“Mumbai has seen a major rise in the number of patients with movement disorders in recent years, especially Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism disorders, at the specialised movement disorders clinics in the city. “According to recently published research report covering four major movement disorders clinics at Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Kolkata, it was discovered that 65% of the total patients coming to these clinics had Parkinsonism disorders,” he said.

“Parkinson’s Disease is not a death sentence. With the right diagnosis and continuous care, patients can lead meaningful and active lives,” averred he

He explained that PD, is primarily caused by a drop in dopamine production in the brain due to neuron degeneration. While it typically affects individuals over 60, medics are seeing increasing cases in younger age groups. Common early symptoms include loss of smell, hand tremors, constipation, and gait imbalance.

“Deep Brain Stimulation is used for Parkinson’s patients who are refractory to medical treatment. It involves placement of electrodes in deeper structures of the brain and stimulation using a system that includes electrodes, wires, and a pulse generator. It’s a game changer in the treatment of refractory Parkinson’s, giving a new hope of life,” he said.

“Genetic testing is now making it possible to identify risk in those with a family history even before symptoms appear,” he added.

*Dr. Narresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state Health organizations.    He’s  the Principle Investigator – Association of Studies In Behavioural Science),                 Dr. Purohit is also Advisor-National Mental Health Program .