Awareness

Empowering Well-being: Daily Routine for Parkinson Disease

November 26, 2023By 0 comment

Incorporating a well-rounded daily routine for Parkinson Disease is crucial for well-being. Tailoring activities to address specific needs can enhance overall health and quality of life. Let’s explore daily recommendations under six key areas.

Aerobic Activities:

In the pursuit of holistic well-being, aerobic activities emerge as a cornerstone for seniors and individuals navigating Parkinson’s disease. These activities not only foster physical health but also contribute significantly to mental and emotional resilience.  Aerobic exercises, known for their rhythmic and continuous nature, are pivotal for enhancing cardiovascular health. For seniors and Parkinson’s patients, engaging in these activities promotes increased blood circulation, oxygenation, and overall endurance. This, in turn, contributes to improved energy levels and cognitive function.

Tailoring exercises to individual needs is crucial. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and stationary cycling are excellent choices. These exercises are gentle on joints, reducing the risk of injuries. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity most days of the week.

Research suggests that aerobic exercises can have positive effects on motor functions and cognitive performance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. These activities may help manage symptoms, enhance balance, and promote a sense of well-being.

Tailor activities to individual fitness levels and modify them as needed. Incorporating warm-up and cool-down sessions is crucial to prevent injuries.  The key lies in creating a personalized and sustainable aerobic exercise plan that aligns with individual capabilities and preferences. By embracing the power of movement, individuals can unlock a pathway to enhanced vitality, both physically and mentally.

#AerobicHealth #SeniorFitness

Meditation:

In the realm of holistic well-being, meditation stands as a profound practice with the potential to enhance the lives of seniors and individuals grappling with Parkinson’s disease. Beyond its calming effects, meditation contributes significantly to mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall quality of life.

Various meditation techniques cater to different preferences. Pranayama, Mindfulness meditation, guided visualization, and loving-kindness meditation are popular choices.  Studies suggest that regular meditation can positively impact cognitive function, potentially slowing the cognitive decline associated with aging. For Parkinson’s patients, meditation may provide cognitive support, aiding in concentration and mental clarity.

Establishing a Meditation Routine:

Begin with short sessions and gradually extend the duration as comfort grows. Integrating meditation into daily life can be as simple as finding a quiet space, focusing on breath, and embracing the present moment. Consistency is key to reaping the full benefits.  Participating in group meditation sessions fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. For seniors and those managing Parkinson’s, this communal aspect of meditation provides an avenue for shared experiences and emotional support.

In the pursuit of well-being, meditation emerges as a transformative practice for seniors and individuals navigating Parkinson’s disease. By embracing moments of stillness, individuals can discover a profound source of mental and emotional strength. Whether practiced individually or in a group setting, meditation unveils a pathway to serenity, empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges with grace.

#MindfulnessForSeniors #ParkinsonsWellness

Strength and Balance Training:

In the journey towards holistic well-being, the significance of strength and balance training cannot be overstated for seniors and those managing Parkinson’s disease. These targeted exercises not only enhance physical resilience but also contribute to improved mobility, reduced fall risks, and an overall sense of empowerment.

Crafting a personalized strength and balance training routine is essential. Include exercises that focus on major muscle groups, such as squats, lunges, and leg lifts. For Parkinson’s patients, incorporating exercises that enhance core strength can contribute to improved stability.  Consider low-impact options for those with mobility concerns. Water aerobics, tai chi, and yoga are excellent choices that provide a gentle yet effective approach to building strength and improving balance.  Participating in group strength and balance classes not only adds a social component but also provides a supportive environment.

Strength and balance training stand as pillars of physical well-being, offering seniors and individuals with Parkinson’s disease the tools to navigate daily life with confidence. By incorporating these exercises into a regular routine, individuals can not only enhance their physical capabilities but also cultivate a sense of empowerment and resilience.

#StrengthTraining #BalanceForSeniors #ParkinsonsWellness #SuryaNamsakara

Stretching Exercises:

In the pursuit of comprehensive well-being, the often-overlooked practice of stretching exercises plays a pivotal role for seniors and individuals managing Parkinson’s disease. Beyond enhancing flexibility, these exercises contribute to improved joint health, increased range of motion, and a heightened sense of physical comfort.

Emphasize gentle, gradual stretches, especially for seniors or those with limited mobility. Focus on major muscle groups such as the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. Incorporate both static and dynamic stretching techniques for a well-rounded approach.  Individualized stretching routines are key. Consider specific needs, such as addressing areas of discomfort or focusing on enhancing flexibility in particular joints. Seek guidance from healthcare professionals for personalized recommendations.

Stretching exercises offer a gateway to improved flexibility, joint health, and overall physical comfort for seniors and those with Parkinson’s disease.  Incorporating this daily routine for Parkinson Disease makes a dramatic change into the overall outcome of the disorder.

#FlexibilityRoutine #StretchingForSeniors #ParkinsonsWellness

Engaging Activities: 

In the pursuit of holistic well-being, engaging activities, such as gardening and participating in small chores, emerge as invaluable tools for seniors and individuals navigating Parkinson’s disease. Beyond providing a sense of purpose, these activities contribute to physical activity, mental stimulation, and an overall enhancement of daily life.

Gardening is a multifaceted activity that not only encourages physical movement but also provides exposure to nature, promoting mental well-being. Planting, weeding, and tending to a garden offer low-impact exercises that contribute to overall mobility.

Participating in everyday chores, even on a smaller scale, can be a form of functional exercise. Folding laundry, light cleaning, or organizing spaces contribute to physical activity and help maintain motor skills.

The goal is to create activities that are enjoyable, achievable, and aligned with personal interests.  or seniors and individuals with Parkinson’s, these activities infuse daily life with purpose, physical activity, and mental stimulation. By embracing active joy, individuals can cultivate a fulfilling and vibrant daily routine.

#EngagingActivities #ActiveLiving #ParkinsonsWellness # Daily Routine for Parkinson Disease

Social Activities:

In the realm of holistic well-being, the value of social activities and group events cannot be overstated for seniors and individuals managing Parkinson’s disease. Beyond mere socialization, these activities foster a sense of belonging, emotional support, and contribute to an enriched quality of life.  Engaging in group events provides a structured avenue to combat loneliness, fostering connections and meaningful relationships.  Sharing experiences, laughter, and camaraderie during group events create a positive atmosphere that helps alleviate stress and boost mood.  Engaging in conversations, playing games, or participating in group activities can help maintain mental sharpness, benefiting both seniors and individuals with Parkinson’s.

Group events offer a platform to celebrate milestones, whether personal or collective. Recognizing achievements, birthdays, or special occasions within a supportive community enhances a sense of joy and accomplishment.  Incorporating intergenerational activities can be especially enriching. Seniors and Parkinson’s patients benefit from the energy and perspectives of younger generations, creating a dynamic and inclusive social environment.

Social activities and group events are not mere pastimes—they are essential threads in the fabric of well-being. For seniors and individuals with Parkinson’s, these activities weave a tapestry of connection, support, and joy. By actively participating in social events, individuals can foster a community that uplifts and enhances the overall quality of life.

#SocialWellness #CommunityConnection #ParkinsonsSupport # Daily Routine for Parkinson Disease

To reap the full spectrum of benefits, strive to dedicate at least 30 minutes to each event, engaging in activities at least three days a week. This commitment ensures a consistent and impactful embrace of social well-being, promoting a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle. By weaving the tapestry of connection and shared moments, we cultivate resilience, joy, and a community that uplifts us on this journey of well-being – Incorporate a healthy daily routine for Parkinson disease.

#SocialWellness #CommunityConnection #ParkinsonsSupport

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Deep Brain Stimulation

Understanding the Process of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery

November 1, 2021By 0 comment
Pathyway for a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery

When we decide or think to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson’s disease, the most common thought comes is HOW IS THE SURGERY DONE?. There are various steps before the surgery and you would have gone through these process like Levodopa challenge, cogntive assessment, decision making ability, speaking to people who have underwent surgery. BUT, still the question of how the surgery is done remains an intriguing enigma. In this blog we go through the process of SURGICAL DAY EVENTS along with the video and images to give an insight to all the people to understand the same. A brief visual overview of the events can be found on youtube : https://youtu.be/4QAugdLKYjg (This video link is available for above 18+ years only due to the descriptive videos)

One Day Prior to DBS Surgery

Most of the people planned for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery are admitted a day prior to the surgery. Usually this day Patient and family gets settled after hospital admission process are finished. No medication changes are done on that day (If any changes are usually done atleast a week before – either stopping or adding). Surgical site preparation instructions are given by the surgeon (like head shaving / Part preparation etc). You would have your usual meal and medications before going to sleep.

On the Day of DBS Surgery

Your day begins around 6 to 7am in the morning, when the treating nurse checks and provides instructions. You would not be given any Parkinson’s disease medications (unless specifically indicated by the doctor) or food (you will be fasting overnight till the surgery is finished). You can take your other medications like for blood pressure etc. These would have been instructed to you a day before itself by the treating team and the Neuroanesthetist. Once your pre-surgical instructions are carried out by the nursing team (like part preparation, supervising medications), you would be shifted for the Frame fixation. From this point onwards your surgical day starts. We will go through them as step by step below.

Step-1 : Frame Fixation

Frame fixation for Deep brain stimulation surgery.
DBS Frame being fixed by Dr. Kiran Khanapure and Dr. Harish PN

You would be taken for Frame fixation, where in a box type frame is fixed on your head with local anesthesia. This box will act like a landmarks for various brain structures. (In simple way it like graph computation using X, Y and Z co-ordinates to locate different brain structure)

Step – 2 : Imaging of the Brain with Frame

Imaging following frame fixations for Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery
DBS Patient undergoing CT Brain after Frame being fixed

Following the fixation of the frame, you will undergo imaging (Commonly CT Brain is done. MRI can also be done). This will help to get the images of brain with the frame, which will act as anchor points to locate different distances in the brain.

Step – 3 : Planning of the Surgical co-ordinates

Planning process on the Stealth station for Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery
DBS plan on a stealth station

Once the imaging is done, you are shifted to the operating theatre room. Here you would be set in a comfortable position (so that you can stay like that for next few hours). In the mean time, the treating team will merge your images on a specialized software. From this software, they will choose the brain target (in PD mostly it would be subthalamic nucleus. Some time GPI is considered) and would be able to get co-ordinates based upon there distances from the frame anchor points. This will act as X, Y, Z co-ordinates of a 3d graph to target the brain.

Step – 4 : Positioning, Burr hole

Dr. Kiran Khanapure and Dr. Harish PN in DBS surgical process
Dr. Kiran Khanapure and Dr. Harish PN in the surgical process

Once the planning and co-ordinates for the surgery are finalized. The surgical team will set up a frame at the operating table. With this frame, then can mark the distances the electrodes to travel to reach the intended location. You would be awake or mildly sedated during this whole process. Once the frame is fixed a small hole is done in the skull (a size of a 25 paisa coin) to target one side of the brain. Later similar process with another hole is done to target other brain site. Once this is done, the scene is set up for assessment and target finalization.

Step – 5 : Microeletrode Recording

Microelectrode recording of subthalamic nucleus during Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery
Microelectrode recordings (Source : https://www.ijnonline.org/)

Once the burr hole is done a microdrive is fixed and fine recording electrodes are pushed in the planned trajectory. Each part of the brain has different electrical activity pattern and based upon which we can assume where the electrodes are going get placed. This is a method of re-affirmation of Imaging planning done previously and gives an confirmation of right position. Based upon these recordings the position of electorde is considered.

Step – 6 : Macro Stimulation and Clinical assessment

Clinical assessment during the DBS surgery
Clinical assessment. Source : www.news-medical.net

Once the microelectrode recordings are done, then the most important clinical assessment will start. In this step, small currents are given in the intended target region and clinical assessment for benefits would be done. This is point where patient has to be very alert and respond to various questions and tasks given by Dr. Prashanth LK. The benefits of stimulation and at voltages sides effects / excess effects are noted and recorded. This clinical assessment gives an final confirmation of the electrode placements.

Step – 7 : Electrode fixation

X-ray fluroscopy to look in the electrode positioning during fixation
X-Ray imaging during the process of electrode fixation

Following the electrode placement, it is fixed to the position and locked by a cap.

Step – 8 : Repeat procedure for the second site

After the electrode placement on one side, Step 4,5,6,7 are repeated on opposite side to fix the second electrode.

Step – 9 : Check Imaging

Check CT brain re-merged with the software to cross check the electrode trajectories
CT imaging showing Reconfirmation of trajectories after the electrodes are fixed

Once both the electrodes are fixed, a check imaging is done preferabbly and then these images are merged with the actual intended trajectories. The goal is to cross confirm the initial planned trajectories with the final fixed trajectories.

Step – 10 : Battery Placement

Image showing the location of battery placement in DBS patients
IPG (Battery) placement below the collar bone. Source : www.researchgate.net

Following the check imaging, now you would be planned for battery placement. This point onwards you would be in general anaesthesia and deep sleep. A small pocket is made in your chest, just below the collar bone. After this an tunnel is created from the battery area to the head (Near the burr holes) just beneath the skin and both the parts are connected by the wire. Once all the electrical systems are connected, they are checked for integrity of the circuit, before closing the surgical sites. With this the surgical process is finished.

Step – 11 : Immediate Post Surgical care

Once the surgical process is finished you are weaned from the anesthesia and then shifted to the ICU. You would be awake (probably exahusted /sleepy). No oral feeds are given for another few hours at the discretion of the anesthesia team. Following that your regular Parkinson’s disease and other medications are started. You would be in the Intensive care unit overnight. There would some pain at the surgical wound points, but usually less as you would be given pain killer.

Step – 12 : Point to Remember

Please remember, surgical process is to fix the DBS stimulation system in the brain. The system is not yet assessed and started. It would be done subsequently at a later date. The whole surgical process lasts for 8-10 hours. In some patients the process may be staggered on different days, based upon the comfort levels of the patient and the surgical teams. There would be some deviations based upon each case to case basis, which would be discussed with the patient and family before and during the procedure (if required)

Day After the DBS Surgery

The next day following the Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, you would be assessed. Most of the people would be back to normal status, with possible some sense of improvements, due to microlesional benefits. If you are deemed fit, then you would shifted to the ward, where you would stay for next few days.

Your whole stay in the hospital will last between 5-7 days on average.

Post Discharge

Post discharge, you would be guided on dates for surgical suture removals and planning for DBS programming.

The whole write up can be viewed as short 3 minute video on Youtube https://youtu.be/4QAugdLKYjg

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Awareness

A Sneak Peak into Gastrointestinal (GUT) Conundrum of Parkinson Disease

April 14, 2021By 0 comment

The understanding of Parkinson’s disease has been dramatically changing over the years. The gastrointestinal symptoms of Parkinson disease are well recognized and keeps on adding up to the number of symptoms of Non Motor Symptoms (NMS). Even further the question of whether Parkinson’s disease arises from Gut perse has become a promienent question among the scientists across the world. The has given raise to concept of GUT-BRAIN axis and further postulation of Gut first and Brain first theories. In this blog, we are trying to highlight the awareness about various gastrointestinal symptoms noted in patient with Parkinson’s disease.

The Gastrointestinal symptoms in Parkinson disease is one of the common NMS in PD, even early in the disease course. Several factors such as loss of dopaminergic activity, presence of Lewy bodies, gut exposure to neurotoxins, gut dysbiosis, cytokine-induced toxicity, inflammation-derived oxidative damage and aging have been associated with the pathogenesis and progression of PD although robust evidence is lacking.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms of in Parkinson Disease

The symptoms of Gut in Parkinson’s disease can be noted all the way from the mouth and salivary glands. the following list helps to understand the possible symptoms which could be associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Salivary Glands symptoms

  • Reduced Saliva Production
  • Low swallowing frequency leading to drooling

Mouth related symptoms

  • Pooling of saliva and problems with movements needed to brush teeth can cause dental dysfunction
  • Jaw tremors related discomfort

Pharynx related symptoms

  • Oropharyngeal dysphagia increases risk of aspiration

Oesohagus related symptoms

  • Slow esophageal transit
  • Segmental esophageal spasm
  • Spontaneous contractions of proximal esophagus
  • Air trapping
  • Aperistalsis
  • Gastro-esophageal influx

Stomach symptoms

  • Impaired gastric emptying causes nausea
  • Bloating
  • Early satiety and weight loss

Small Intestine symptoms

  • Dilatation leading to bloating sensation

Colon symptoms

  • Colonic dysmotility
  • Constipation
  • Megacolon
  • Volvulus
  • Bowel perforation

Rectum symptoms

  • Anorectal dysfunction leads to difficulty with defecation

Management of Gastrointestinal symptoms in Parkinson disease

There are various symptomatic options for various GI related symptoms. The same has been highlighted in this article image.

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Elephant in the Room – Astonishing Parkinson’s disease Beyond Tremors

April 3, 2021By 0 comment
The Elephant in the Room art by Banksy at Barely legal exhibition in 2006

The expression “Elephant in the room” is an metaphorical idiom used to describe something which everyone knows, but no one wants to mention or discuss it for various reasons. The above image is a part of “controversial art” by famous British artist Banksy. This art named “Elephant in the room” was featured as a part of US exhibition – “Barely legal” in 2006. It had it’s own set of controversies. However, the primary objective of this art was to highlight that billions of people lived below the poverty line. This art perse was a metaphor to speaking about elephant in the room and controversies there off.

Parkinson’s Disease is well known disorder where in people know issues about tremors, slowness, stiffness and walking related issues. However, there are many more other issues, which is well know to the patients, caregivers, and doctors, but most of the time, these symptoms are either brushed under the carpet or not enquired upon at consultation. Currently these features are becoming more important in the management of Parkinson’s Disease and more efforts are being put into the assessment and treatment of these issues. These are broadly classified under the category of Non Motor Symptoms (NMS) under the management of Parkinson’s Disease. However, these for all of us is the Elephant in the room which needs to be more outspoken and appropriate management needs to be done.

The International Parkinson Disease and Movement disorders society (IPMDS), has come up with exclusive scales on non motor symptoms to address this concern of elephant in the room.

“Elephant in the Room” – Parkinson’s Disease

The Motor and the Non Motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Image source: Parkinsonnsw

There are various symptoms which qualify for elephant in the room for Parkinson’s disease and prominent among them are

  • Mood : All Parkinson’s disease patients might have some form of mood/behavioral changes, which is mostly under reported and only symptoms which become much bothersome are spoken about. Depression is one of the well know and needs to be tackled properly.
  • Sleep : Sleep disturbances are common and sometimes predate the onset of motor symptoms by many years. These symptoms might include vivid dreams, nightmares, shouting/yelling/enacting in dreams (aka RBD), restless leg syndrome (RLS).
  • Bladder issues : Urinary urgency, increased frequency, night time increased urinary frequency/volume are common bladder issues noted.
  • Constipation : Constipation is probably one of well accepted and acknowledged symptom, which is noted well before the onset of motor symptoms
  • Sexual dysfunction : Probably this is one of the least discussed non motor symptom, and mostly not addressed. The issue has to be discussed promptly by the patient or the doctor as its fairly treatable symptom
  • Excessive sweating / drooling / skin oilyness : These changes are noted in patients with Parkinson’s disease and skin changes can be noted.
  • Postural dizziness / fatigue : Patients with Parkinson’s disease tend to have

In the subsequent weeks, we will try to bring out exclusive write ups, including their symptoms, management, both on video and web write up. Effort will be put to get Kannada language audio/video files for the patients and care givers. Keep a lookout on the facebook page and youtube channel.

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Parkinson’s Disease challenge and advise collage from Doctors across India

August 15, 2020By 0 comment
https://youtu.be/F3XH503h9I0

#PDchallenge was initiated on July 22nd 2020 on the occasion of World Brain Day to create awareness about Parkinson’s Disease. The challenge included, showing various activities with a theme to win over Parkinson’s Disease. It included videos of patients, caregivers, friends, relatives, movement disorder specialists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, therapists, researchers from across the globe.

The following collage video shows the various Movement Disorders specialists, Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, researchers taking part in the #PDchallenge, released on August 15, 2020. This matches with the essence of ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara‘ theme of Unity in diversity theme song launched on August 15th 1988.

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World Brain Day – #PDchallenge

July 22, 2020By 0 comment

#PDchallenge

Lets Shake the Parkinson’s Disease

World Brain Day 2020

#Parkinsons

Every year July 22nd is commemorated as WORLD BRAIN DAY.  Annually one disorder will be highlighted to increase the awareness of the disorder.  World Brain Day 2020 is dedicated to raising awareness for Parkinson’s Disease, a neurodegenerative brain disorder affecting more than 70 lakh people of all ages worldwide.   This year, World Federation of Neurology and International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society have joined together to end #parkinsons.

In this context, here in India, we are doing an active Parkinson’s Disease awareness campaign in the form of #PDchallenge.  The challenge is open to all patients, caregivers, friends, health care workers and everyone across.  The primary goal is to create awareness about Parkinson’s Disease.  Please do a brief video about your active movements or agility and challenge your family members, friends, colleagues to show their agility. Come lets create awareness about Parkinson’s disease and remove the myths about it.  Let’s create awareness by challenging our friends and relatives

10 things about Parkinson’s Disease for this World Brain Day:

  1. Parkinson’s Disease is neurodegenerative disease affecting the brain
  2. More than 70 Lakh people of all age groups affected by Parkinson’s Disease Worldwide.
  3. Parkinson’s Disease classically causes Slowness, Stiffness, Tremors and Balance problems.
  4. Mood changes, Anxiety, Depression, reduced smelling ability, Sleep disturbances, Urinary issues, Constipation, can also be affected.
  5. The Scare of the name “PARKINSON’S DISEASE”, make many people to loose hope in life.
  6. Parkinson’s disease is treatable
  7. People affected with Parkinson’s disease can lead a near normal quality of life.
  8. Good treatment options are available including mediations, injections and surgeries.  
  9. Active life style and Exercises form the most important part of management of Parkinson’s Disease.
  10. Come on the World Brain Day, “Lets Shake the Parkinson’s”
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Dance for PDnews

Dance for Parkinson’s Disease – Learn Online

July 20, 2020By 0 comment

The COVID-19 breakout has lead to a significant limitations in mobility of people across the world. This is primary concern for People with Parkinson disease and Parkinsonism disorders. In these disorders people need to do workouts on daily basis to have a good quality of life. Many people require supervised care and some require a group to motivate the exercise schedules. This has been significantly hindered by the current #pandemic outbreak and #Lockdown. To over come this modern day problem, people have adapted and improvised to bridge the current issues. In this context “Hirshikesh’s Center for Contemporary Dance” in Pune, has been successfully working on online dance programs for Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonism Disorder patients. The dance program for Parkinson’s disease facilitators integrate movement from Indian classical and modern dance, and choreographic repertory. This initiative has been helping many Parkinson’s Disease people from across India.

Difficulties with gait and balance are common among individuals with Parkinson disease (PD), contributing to an increased incidence of falls. Gait changes include slowness of walking with short, shuffling steps and a flexed posture, and may also include festination and/or freezing of gait. Aspects of walking that appear to be particularly impaired include dual tasking, turning and walking backward

Given the potential benefits of exercise for those with PD, recommendations have been made regarding key components of an exercise program designed for those with PD. The recommendations include four key areas: 1) cueing strategies to improve gait, 2) cognitive movement strategies to improve transfers, 3) exercises to improve balance, and 4) training of joint mobility and muscle power to improve physical capacity. Emerging evidence also suggests that aerobic training, such as walking on a treadmill, may result in improved quality of life, reduced disease severity as reflected by lowering of UPDRS-III scores, and improved aerobic capacity

Dance as a group-based treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD) incorporates physical exercise, cognitive tasks, sensory experience (music), emotional expression, and social interaction. As such a multidimensional activity, dance has the potential to address many of the challenges faced by patients. Indeed, in addition to significant motor and cognitive impairment, patients are troubled by mood changes and social isolation. Therefore, dance may highly impact the quality of life in patients with PD.

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Parkinsons diseaseAwareness

Destination Unknown – My Journey with Parkinson’s – An Autobiography by Rajeev K Gupta

June 12, 2020By 0 comment
Destination Unknown – My Journey with Parkinson’s

Destination Unknown – My Journey with Parkinson’s, is an autobiography of Mr. Rajeev K Gupta, who is diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease.   The book fills a long overdue void about personal experiences about Parkinson’s Disease, especially from Indian Context.  It goes through the various phases from, ‘Overcoming the Shock’ attached with diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in a young active professional life.  The story leads on to explain the “Million Dollar Decision” on how and when to reveal the diagnosis to the family members and on professional front.  It also gives insights about how to cope with the diagnosis, adapt and overcome, to win over this ‘Mental Game’.  Mr. Gupta, further goes into the depth of various treatments he received, their benefits / limitations.  Later, he continues on his decision on ‘Deep Brain Stimulation’ surgery and his whole experience from the point of considering it to the post-surgery outcomes.   The book also gives a Q&A section, which will be helpful for all Parkinson’s disease patients, to understand about Parkinson’s disease and its treatment.  Overall, a must read for every Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease Patients and their families.   The Book is currently available on various online sellers including Amazon, Kobo, Google Play books and on publishers site (Notion Press).

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Parkinson Disease Treatmentnews

Opicapone, New medication for Parkinson’s Disease got FDA approval

April 30, 2020By

Opicapone, got FDA approval for Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

Parkinson’s disease treatment got a new drug for its management. Opicapone a newer once a day medication helps in better functioning of levodopa/carbidopa (Syndopa / LCD / Madopar / Sinemet). It got Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of USA approval under the brand name of ONGENTYS. It comes with 25mg and 50mg capsules. It helps to treatment and improvement of ON periods in Parkinson’s disease. The company Neurocrine Biosciences plans to launch ONGENTYS later this year.

Opicapone blocks the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) effectively (>90% at therapeutic doses), selectively and reversibly, and only outside the central nervous system. It dissociates slowly from COMT, resulting in a duration of action longer than 24 hours despite its short blood plasma half-life. As COMT and DOPA decarboxylase are the main enzymes for degrading levodopa, blocking the two effectively increases its concentrations in the bloodstream. More levodopa reaches the brain, where it is activated to dopamine. This helps to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as stiffness and slowness of movement.In June 2016, it was authorised for use in the European Union. It was authorised for use in the United States in April 2020.

This drug is contraindicated in people with cancers that secrete catecholamines (for example epinephrine), such as phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma, because as a COMT inhibitor it blocks catecholamine degradation. Other contraindications are a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) or non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis, and combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors that are not used as antiparkinsonians, because of possible drug interactions

People taking opicapone very commonly (18%) experience dyskinesia. Other common side effects (in 1 to 10% of patients) include dizziness, strange dreams, hallucinations, constipation, dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure), and muscle spasms. Apart from spasms, these side effects are also known from tolcapone and entacapone

For further updates : https://t.me/movementdisordersclinic.com
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DBS for dystoniaDeep Brain Stimulation

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in a 5 year old child – Youngest to undergo surgery in India

April 11, 2020By 0 comment
DBS for dystonia

A 5 yr child who is affected by a rare type of dystonia called DYT16 was managed in Vikram hospital, Bengaluru. Only about 10-12 cases have been described worldwide with this rare disease. The child was completely bed bound and dependent for all the activities. The child underwent Deep Brain Stimulation surgery (DBS), the youngest person to undergo this procedure in India till date. Its been 3 months now and the child is making great improvements. Kudos to all involved. Looking forward to hear more about the recovery curve about this rare disease

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