The symptoms of Parkinson's disease progress with age and may include tremors in the body, loss of movement, deterioration in posture and balance, among others.(Representational) Support groups play an important role not only to help persons with Parkinson’s disease but also for their caregivers, Dr Pradeep Divate, HoD , Department of Neurosciences at KEM hospital said while addressing a special event organised on the occasion of World Parkinson’s Day (April 11).
The event was jointly organized by KEM Hospital Pune, ‘B K Parekh Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Society’ (BKP -PDMDS)’and Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group programmes are conducted free of charge by BKP-PDMDS through several centers in India.
This is a multi-faceted programme which mainly consists of occupational and speech therapy, physical exercise (physiotherapy), laughter therapy, dance and music, movement therapy along with proper nutrition, yoga-pranayama, doctor’s lectures and awareness sessions on other common brain diseases among senior citizens. Guidance is provided and these activities are conducted free of cost by trained professionals of BKP – PDMDS.
Dr Divate said Parkinson’s disease was a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and subsequently the parts of the body that are controlled by them. The symptoms progress with age and may include tremors in the body, loss of movement, deterioration in posture and balance, inability to walk and maintain weight, stiffness, the rigidity of muscles, changes in speech and others.
The deterioration in movements and other symptoms also plays on confidence and affects individuals emotionally and psychologically. Therefore apart from regular medication, the need of the hour is such support groups, Dr Divate said.
Neurologist Dr. Shripad Pujari, along with Kavita Nimbalkar, programme manager at Mumbai Support Group, Janine Garda, neuropsychologist & coordinator at KEM Hospital, Dr. Nikita Chhajed Physiotherapist and coordinator of KEM and DMH Support Group and several others were present on the occasion. About 60 members of the support group at KEM Hospital and Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital created public awareness through dance-singing performances (Creative Therapy). Several patients expressed their thoughts about the experience after joining the support group and the transformation in their lives. PD support group sessions are conducted weekly at KEM Hospital on Wednesdays and at DMH on Saturday, Dr Chhajed said.