Bengaluru: On the occasion of World Parkinson’s day, April 10, BRAINS today launched a center of excellence for Parkinsons’ Disease as a Holistic approach. As part of the event, BRAINS also conducted a day-long unique program for the patients and their families to educate and to provide hands-on skills to manage this disease. The event was graced by eminent personalities including Mrs. Malini Krishnamoorthy, IPS, Addtl. Commissioner of Police (West), Dr. N K Venkataramana – Founder and Chief Neurosurgeon of BRAINS, Dr. Usha Vasthare, Co- founder of Yoga Kshema and Mrs. Radha Ramaswamy director of Basal Ganglia Support group.

Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating illness that affects 1% of the population after the age of 60. However, young onset PD is also becoming frequent. Primarily this disease affects the substansia niagra of the brain causing gradual depletion of dopamine resulting in shaking of the body (tremors), stiffness (rigidity), slowness, difficulty in all the activities of daily life and speech leading to dependency.

They all require lifetime medications. Over the years, several advances have taken place in treatment through medicines, surgery and other supportive measures. However, they go through a variety of complications that demands constant supervision, medical attention and physical and emotional support. To render this a variety of support therapies, need to be structured around to create a comprehensive treatment module. Above all understanding of the profile of the disease is essential for the caregivers to provide support and to cope with the illness.

Sharing her opinion at the launch Mrs. Malini Krishnamurthy, Additional Commissioner of Police said “We all should help people with Parkinson’s diseases to lead a normal life and help them to improve for better quality of life.” Adding to this she said “It’s not only a patient who need to be treated but it’s the whole family who need to be counselled so that its helps to handle people suffering from Parkinson’s.”