Pune (Voice News Service): A Parkinson’s Disease Support Group was inaugurated today at KEM Hospital, Pune. The support group programme has been initiated jointly with the ‘B K Parekh Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Society’ (BKP -PDMDS)’. Dr Charulata Sankhla Neurologist at Hinduja Hospital and Trustee BKP –PDMDS, Dr. Pradeep Divate, HoD Neurosciences Department at KEM Hospital, Dr.Sharmila Donde, Director-Community Development and Training at BKS-PDMDS, Dr Maria Barretto, CEO of the PDMDS, and Dr Madhur Rao, Senior Deputy Medical Administrator were present on the occasion.
In his welcome address. Dr Madhur Rao said that the initiative would include a weekly two-hour session at KEM Pune every Wednesday from 10:30AM to 12:30 PM.
Dr Sankhla gave a presentation on the management of Parkinson’s disease. She emphasised post diagnosis of PD, treatment should be started at the earliest. Follow-up is lifelong and medicines should not be discontinued at any point. What is also important is to exercise which is a key to maintaining body movement. Dr Sankhla stressed the importance of the role of Caregivers in supporting individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.
Dr Pradeep Divate, HoD Department of Neurosciences at KEM Pune said that the progressive disorder 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 etc. 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. The support group programmes are meant not only to help individuals with PD but also for their caregivers.
Dr Sharmila Donde, Director-Community Development and Training at BKS-PDMDS said that the Parkinson’s Disease Support Group programme by BKP-PDMDS is carried out through multiple centers in India. The programme is in the form of a multidisciplinary module which includes occupational and speech therapy, physiotherapy, laughter therapy, art therapy, music therapy and movement therapy along with Yoga, Meditation, consultation on diet, and lectures/awareness sessions by Doctors on other neurological disorders in old age. These activities are carried out by trained professionals from BKP –PDMDS.
