World Parkinson’s Day: Experts at ITSA Hospitals Raipur Highlight Early Signs, Risks and Advanced Treatment Options

World Parkinson’s Day / Raipur: On the occasion of World Parkinson’s Day, ITSA Hospitals organized a detailed press conference where medical experts shared comprehensive insights on Parkinson’s disease, including its early signs, treatment options, rehabilitation strategies, and associated health risks. Specialists from Neurology, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Psychology, and Internal Medicine departments presented their perspectives during the session.

Parkinson’s Among the Most Common Neurodegenerative Disorders

Consultant Neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist Dr. Abhijeet Kumar Kohat, with over 18 years of experience, stated that Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide.

He explained that the condition is primarily caused by a decrease in dopamine levels in the brain, which affects smooth body movements. While Parkinson’s usually begins in old age, cases are increasingly being reported among younger individuals, sometimes even around the age of 25 years.

Dr. Kohat highlighted that symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are broadly categorized into motor and non-motor symptoms.

Early Signs That Should Not Be Ignored

According to experts, the early warning signs include:

• Slight tremor in hands
• Small handwriting (micrographia)
• Soft or low voice
• Reduced facial expressions (mask face)
• Loss of sense of smell

He emphasized that timely consultation with a neurologist can significantly improve disease management.

Treatment Can Reduce Medication Dependency

Dr. Kohat noted that Levodopa replacement therapy is typically started early and remains highly effective during the initial years, often referred to as the “honeymoon period.” However, after 3 to 5 years, patients may experience fluctuations known as “on” and “off” phases, where medication effectiveness varies.

He added that in suitable cases, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery can help control symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce medication requirements by up to 50 percent.

Physiotherapy Plays a Key Role in Reducing Fall Risk

Dr. Tanushree Neral, HOD Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation with over 15 years of experience, highlighted the importance of structured rehabilitation programs.

She explained that the internationally recognized LSVT BIG program focuses on:

• Larger body movements
• Strength and stability training
• Improving balance and coordination

The program typically includes 16 sessions per month, conducted four days a week, and also involves group therapy sessions to enhance patient motivation.

She added that LSVT includes two components—LSVT BIG (exercise therapy) and LSVT LOUD (speech therapy).

Uncontrolled Diabetes May Increase Parkinson’s Risk

Director and Consultant in Internal Medicine Dr. Rajkumar Baranwal stated that elderly individuals with long-standing Diabetes mellitus, especially when poorly controlled, may have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

He explained that prolonged diabetes can lead to insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular damage, which may affect brain health.

However, he clarified that diabetes does not necessarily lead to Parkinson’s if properly managed.

He advised maintaining:

• Good blood sugar control
• Regular physical activity
• Balanced diet
• Routine health check-ups
• Proper control of blood pressure and cholesterol

Speech Therapy Improves Communication and Swallowing

Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathologist Jitesh Kumar Thakur explained that speech therapists assess both communication and swallowing abilities in Parkinson’s patients.

Personalized therapy focuses on:

• Improving voice strength
• Enhancing speech clarity
• Teaching safe swallowing techniques

He also stressed the importance of training family members to support patients effectively.

Mental Health Support is Essential

Psychologist Eshika Jaiswal highlighted that Parkinson’s disease is not limited to movement-related issues but also significantly affects mental health and cognition.

She explained that patients often experience:

• Cognitive decline
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Behavioral changes

To assess these hidden impacts, specialists use tools such as Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS).

Holistic Treatment Approach is the Way Forward

In conclusion, experts at ITSA Hospitals emphasized that the treatment of Parkinson’s disease should not be limited to medications alone. A comprehensive approach combining neurology, physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychological support, and lifestyle management is essential.

They stressed that “early detection, proper treatment, and continuous care” remain the key principles in managing Parkinson’s disease and improving patients’ quality of life.