Neurologists in the country underscore the need for advanced research to better understand Parkinson’s Disease, improve therapies, and develop more effective treatments. India accounts for 10 percent of the total global cases as the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in adults.
From an India standpoint, Bengaluru-based MedGenome, a leading global genomics company in South Asia, with Parkinson’s Research Alliance of India (PRAI) found that rare genetic variations along with common variants derived through polygenic risk score (PRS) will detect Young Onset of Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD). This first-of-its-kind study titled Genetics of PAN-India Young Onset Parkinson Disease (GOPI-YOPD), was a multi-centre pan-India project which recruited 1000 patients through a network of 10 specialty movement disorder centers/neurology clinics across India.
On the occasion of World Parkinson’s Day, observed annually on April 11, this year’s theme is ‘Share Your Spark,’ encouraging those impacted by the disease to share their experiences and join the fight to end it, with the red tulip as the symbol of Parkinson’s awareness.
This World Parkinson’s Day 2025, our effort would be to Advancing Hope Through Science and Support. Parkinson’s is a long-term, progressive condition of the central nervous system. It happens because certain brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement slowly ceases to function, pointed out Dr. Hema Krishna P, Consultant, Neurology, Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders, Aster CMI Hospital.
While it is more common among those over 60 years, it can sometimes begin earlier too. The visible symptoms are tremors, stiffness, slower movements, or trouble with balance. These usually start slowly and get more noticeable with time. It is also important to know that Parkinson’s can affect more than just movement things like mood changes, sleep difficulties, and memory issues, she added.
Currently, there is no single test to confirm Parkinson’s. We rely on clinical signs and may use scans like DaTscan to support the diagnosis. While there is no cure as yet, there are good treatment options. Medications like Levodopa is effective, and newer ones like tavapadon and opicapone help improve symptoms with fewer side-effects. In some cases, advanced therapies like deep brain stimulation or focused ultrasound offer great results, said Dr Hema.
USFDA has authorized medicines for Parkinson’s disease, including VYALEV (foscarbidopa and foslevodopa) for advanced Parkinson’s, and Xadago (safinamide) as an add-on treatment for ‘off; episodes, while also encouraging the use of a specific Parkinson’s biomarker in future clinical trials.
According to Dr Raghuram G, additional director-neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, latest treatment options for Parkinson’s disease in India include Apomorphine Pen & Pump. This treatment is an effective alternative for those who do not want to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation. Stem cell therapy is still in research stage and has not yet reached clinical use. Other treatment options include medications, surgical procedures, and supportive therapies like physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
“Advanced treatment is refinement in Electrodes used for DBS and Pacemaker. We now have electrodes which can sense the brain waves and the pacemaker can analyse the waves and adjust the optimal current. This is called Adaptive DBS and can help in reducing visits to the hospital and help prolong battery life,” added Dr Raghuram.
source : Pharmabiz
