As the world observes Parkinson’s Awareness Month, leading neurologists, neurosurgeons, and patient advocacy groups are calling for renewed focus on building awareness, promoting early diagnosis, and strengthening access to treatment for Parkinson’s disease a progressive neurological condition that affects over 10 million people globally and is among the fastest-growing neurological disorders worldwide. Despite its increasing prevalence, Parkinson’s disease remains widely misunderstood, often under-recognised, and inadequately treated.
Parkinson’s disease is a long-term, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, marked by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, which leads to challenges in movement and coordination. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental influences. Although it is more commonly seen in individuals above 60 years of age, nearly 10–15% of cases occur in those under 50, highlighting the importance of awareness across age groups.
A major challenge in managing Parkinson’s disease is delayed diagnosis. Early symptoms are often subtle and can be mistaken for normal ageing, resulting in delays in seeking medical care. Key motor symptoms include tremors at rest, slowness of movement, muscle stiffness, postural instability, and freezing of gait all of which can progressively affect an individual’s mobility and independence.
Beyond motor symptoms, Parkinson’s disease is also associated with a range of non-motor symptoms that are frequently overlooked but have a significant impact on quality of life. These include depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cognitive changes, loss of smell, constipation, and autonomic dysfunction. Importantly, many of these non-motor symptoms may present years before the onset of motor signs, offering a valuable window for earlier diagnosis and timely intervention.
“Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterised by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing cells deep within the brain, leading to both motor and non-motor symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life. While many patients can be managed effectively with medications in the early stages, a considerable number experience fluctuations in symptom control over time, including ‘on-off’ periods and a reduced response to therapy. In such situations, advanced treatments like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) can offer meaningful benefits by modulating abnormal brain circuits and providing more consistent symptom control. Over the years, DBS has continued to evolve with innovations such as adaptive stimulation, directional leads, and AI-enabled programming, enabling more precise and personalised treatment. From a clinical standpoint, adopting a multidisciplinary approach and evaluating patients at the appropriate stage is critical. Timely intervention can play a key role in improving long-term outcomes and helping patients maintain independence and functional ability, says Dr. Sarat Chandra, Professor and Head of the Department, Neurosurgery, AIIMS.
During Parkinson’s Awareness Month, experts and patient advocates continue to emphasise the need for collective action to improve awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure timely access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. With ageing populations globally, the overall burden of the disease is expected to rise, underscoring the need for greater investment in research, caregiver support, and healthcare systems.
Patients, families, and caregivers are encouraged to consult a neurologist, neurosurgeon or visit a movement disorders clinic if symptoms are suspected. Early diagnosis and timely management can play a crucial role in improving long-term outcomes and enhancing quality of life.
Disclaimer: This content is edited/written by Dr Sarat Chand Professor and Head of the Department, Neurosurgery, AIIMS. This website or its affiliates are not responsible for any deficiency of information.
