Fortis Escorts Amritsar Advocates Vigilance Towards Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s

Fortis Escorts Amritsar Advocates Vigilance Towards Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s 

 Doctors urge regular check-ups and early intervention which can slow the progression of this neurological ailment 

 Amritsar, April 2024: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 85 lakh individuals worldwide were living with Parkinson's disease (PD) in 20191. Speaking of Parkinson’s prevalence, India is poised to have the highest absolute number of PD patients globally, with nearly 40-45% experiencing the onset of motor symptoms between the age of 22-49, as revealed by recent research from the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (IPMDS) 2. Although the cause of Parkinson’s remains elusive, years of research have pointed toward various genetic and environmental factors. 

Moreover, important genes like Bassoon (also known as the BSN gene) that increase the incidence of Parkinson's disease in young Indians have been found in a recent study that was published in the journal Movement Disorders. This is the first study of its kind carried out in India, involving 1,000 patients via a network of 10 specialized clinics for neurology and movement disorders nationwide.3 

Emphasizing the urgency of early detection through regular check-ups, Dr. Manik Mahajan, Senior Consultant, Neurology, at Fortis Escorts Amritsar, says, "It is imperative to understand what the early signs are and why ignoring them can have profound consequences. Parkinson's is a progressive condition; hence, timely intervention can significantly alter its course. Ignoring these early signs like tremors, loss of motor movements or stiffness in muscles may lead to delayed diagnosis and missed opportunities for effective treatment. Early detection empowers individuals to seek appropriate care, thereby enhancing their quality of life and potentially slowing disease progression. Let us use this day to raise awareness and remind everyone of the importance of not overlooking these initial signs."