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New Delhi, April 7, 2018:
Fortis Hospital Flt Lt. Rajan Dhall, Vasant Kunj launched a support group with the aim of bringing together patients and their caregivers. Held at the Four Points by Sheraton, the event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 35 Parkinson patients and their families. A neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson’s disease develops slowly and the symptoms manifest themselves over a period of time. The motor skills of a person get affected as the central nervous system is compromised. Shaking, rigidity, difficulty walking and moving can indicate the onset of Parkinson’s disease. Since the disease primarily attacks and impacts the dopamine producing neurons, Parkinson’s disease is also strongly associated with mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and nervousness.
The educative activities at the launch aimed to illustrate the importance of motor co – ordination and how its absence can have a devastating effect on a person’s life. It consisted of an informative session on understanding and managing Parkinson’s by Dr. Madhuri Behari, Senior Consultant – Neurology, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj. Stress was laid on the fact that while Parkinson’s is incurable but can be managed effectively with the doctor’s guidance. . However it does require family members to adopt a ‘hands – on approach’, and ensure that different aspects of the patients life – support group services, general wellness maintenance, exercise, and nutrition are taken care of. Taking care of Parkinson’s patients is a full time responsibility that requires patience and empathy.
Dr. Behari said, “In the forty years that I have worked as a doctor, I have seen several instances where along with patients their families are also suffering from stress. These patients suffer from problems in the limbs, hands and fingers. They also have rigid muscles, impaired postures, speech – writing defects and problems in controlling their movements. It becomes very difficult to handle patients when they are not able to control their motor movements. Therefore the thought behind establishing the support group was to promote emotional bonding between the family and the patient, ensure that patients interact with each other so that they realise that they are not alone in their fight, and remain motivated and positive. Deep Brain Stimulation is an operative option for Parkinson patients where condition can improve considerably. “
Mr. Sandeep Guduru, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj said, “The support group will be instrumental in building awareness among patients and caregivers with regard to the disease. While the patient is the primary focus for everyone, the members of the family who care for the sick patients feel the stress to carry and need support patients. In addition to this there is a need to promote awareness about the disease. There have been great advances in the management of Parkinson over the decade and we are proud to have an experienced team which is capable of handling challenging cases.”
Currently ten million people have been affected with Parkinson’s worldwide. Infrastructure and resources still need to be deployed at a national level top ensure that the burden of the disease is tackled in a strategic and effective manner.
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