April 11 has been set aside as World Parkinson’s Day – A day to be observed for the more than 6 million people world wide who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It is exciting to know that people from points all across the world are raising awareness for a disease that is now being diagnosed in a new patient every seven minutes. April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and we are raising awareness! On this day and every day, with enough attention, there will be better treatments and one day a cure!
The more I read about Parkinson’s disease, the more I am convinced that exercise is the key to slowing the progression and in improving the lives of those living with PD. It is encouraging to know that this philosophy is being shared all across the world, because we so strongly believe this is making a world of difference in Geoffrey’s life!
As I spend time working out with Geoffrey and George this week, i am inspired by these two brothers who have spent a great deal of their lives following a physical workout plan. We Parker’s are working hard to prepare for our mountain – there is not a day that goes by that one of us are not passing out Parker’s Climb cards and telling our story to make a difference! I hope you will join us in our quest to raise awareness and funds for the Michael J. Fox Foundation! Give Now – 100% of your donations go directly to Team Fox – where valuable research dollars are being put to good use! pkp
One day, World Parkinson’s Day will be a thing of the past – because we are going to end this disease! I hope you will join us now by donating to Parker’s Climb! pkp
‘Parkinson’s disease can be constrained with medication, exercise’
400,000 people suffering from Parkinson’s disease in Pakistan and more than six million worldwide
By Haris Hanif
KARACHI: Health experts at a seminar said though Parkinson’s is a chronic debilitating disease, however, with the right combination of medication, physical exercise and therapy, people suffering from Parkinson’s disease can live a healthy life.
The seminar was organised by the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) on Tuesday in connection with the World Parkinson’s Day at its premises.
The speakers said since people with Parkinson’s disease usually suffer from movement problems, physiotherapy plays a significant role in managing the disease. It helps people continue with their daily routine activities independently. It also helps in maintaining a good posture, in balancing and speaking clearer.
There were an estimated 400,000 people suffering from Parkinson’s disease in Pakistan and more than six million worldwide, they informed. AKUH Consultant Neurologist Dr Mughis Sheerani said Parkinson’s disease has many symptoms with the most common including tremors, stiffness and rigidity, imbalance and slowness of movement. As the disease is progressive, the symptoms become severer over time, he added.
Dr Mughis said it causes people to become slower and face difficulty in talking, walking and even swallowing. There are treatments that can help relieve symptoms and slow its progress to help individuals live a better quality of life.
AKUH Consultant Pulmonologist Dr Murtaza Mohammed pointed out that sometimes there may be pulmonary complications. This may be the result of the disease itself or from the medications used to treat the symptoms. AKUH Consultant Eye Surgeon Dr Mahnaz Naveed Shah said Parkinson’s patients should also look out for eye problems. They may suffer from certain types of eye problems particularly those related to difficulty in focusing and following or tracking objects, double vision, dry eyes, infections of eyelids and loss of fine colour perception.
Pakistan Parkinson’s Society Chairman Haroon Bashir said raising awareness and spurring new research and treatment options were the main reasons for celebrating World Parkinson’s Day,. The Day is a reminder of the everyday challenges faced by people with Parkinson’s and the support they receive from their families, friends and even the wider community.
AKUH Neurology Section Head Dr Saad Shafqat said though the disease can affect anyone, it usually appears in people over the age of 60.
He said diagnosis is based on medical history and on a methodical neurological examination as the symptoms of the disease can be caused by other neurological problems, head trauma and even medication. While tests such as MRI and CT scans are useful, they are not essential for the diagnosis, he added.
