"Everyday more than 100 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in Pakistan and an estimated 6 million people worldwide are suffering from this disease," revealed leading neurologists in a press briefing to mark World Parkinson's Awareness Week. Awareness drive was supported by GSK Pakistan. Dr Shahid Mustafa, seasoned neurologist at AKUH, said, "Parkinson's disease (PD) is a movement disorder. In people with PD, a vital chemical in the brain called dopamine is gradually reduced.
It progresses slowly and brings on symptoms of tremor, slowness in movement, stiff limbs, and walking or balance problems. Moreover, there is no definitive test to detect Parkinson's disease or Parkinsonism. For diagnosis, doctors take a thorough medical history and may request a number of movement tests."
Dr Shahid added, "Numerous studies concluded that approximately 5 percent of patients have an onset before the age of 50 years and 2 percent of those aged 65 years and above. The average age of diagnosis is around 60, but approximately 15 percent of people with Parkinson's are diagnosed before age 50 and are said to have young-onset Parkinson's disease." "A number of researchers have found that increased risk of developing disease is 1.5 to 2-fold in males as compared to females but other studies have however reported no gender differences," he added.
Many treatments can reduce the symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients need to know that the disease will not be cured completely, but, disease progress can be slowed with medications. While stressing on all the stakeholders for joint efforts Dr M Wasay, professor of neurology at AKUH, added that it will direct people towards getting an early diagnosis and treatment that can slow the progression of symptoms. We should play our role to the community to spread awareness about Parkinson's disease.
Talking about the causes of PD he said, "The cause of PD is still unknown. Researchers think that both genes and environment may play a role. The disorder is due to a loss of nerve cells in an area deep within the brain called the substantia nigra. This area produces the chemical dopamine. Dopamine helps send signals within the brain. Without the right amount of dopamine, movement can be impaired."
Dr Nadir Ali, neurologist at South City Hospital, shed light on psychosocial impact of PD and said "Parkinson's disease is associated with many psychiatric problems such as anxiety, sleep disturbance, psychotic symptoms, but depression is the most common comorbid condition in Parkinson's disease that can affect over 30 per cent of Parkinson patients."
"Psychiatric disturbance have negative impact on the course and management of the disease and especially depression has a greater negative effect on a patient's quality of life, disability and resulting in more decline of cognitive functioning," Dr Nadir added. "We have to join hands to create awareness about Parkinson's to help fight this crucial disease and show solidarity with patients," he concluded.