THEME: #Take6forPD

This year World Parkinson disease day theme “Take6forPD” is to shed light on the fact that every 6 minutes, a person is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Parkinson’s is a disorder that afflicts the nervous system, in which nerve cells that deliver the neurotransmitter dopamine to other cells are reduced in numbers. As cell death spreads to ever larger parts of the brain more centers are affected. This results in an aggravation of motor and non motor disorders. It hampers movement and is often characterized by tremors.

This day aims to increase awareness among people and get us all to get together and help those in need.

Non Motor Symptoms Include:

·       REM sleep behavior disorder

·       Reduced sense of smell

·       Autonomic dysfunction

·       Depression

·       Impaired Vision

·       Attention Deficit

·       Difficulties planning and carrying out ordinary tasks.

Motor symptoms:

Motor symptoms of Parkinson’s are based around involuntary movements or rigidity (in which muscles of the body ‘freeze up’ and do not work). For example,

1.    a person may not be able to perform a simple activity like picking up an item when it falls from their hand.

2.   A person might not be able to cross the road in case their ‘feet freeze’ making them unable to walk.

How to Observe World Parkinson’s Day

1.    Find out more about the disease so that you can teach others about it by spreading awareness.

2.   Parkinson’s disease is not known to many and it’s time to raise awareness about the disease by promoting a greater understanding of this condition and how it can affect a person. It is vital for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

3.    Donate or volunteer to help people. This day has a very noble cause of helping people with Parkinson’s by  raising funds for the needy and pushes for a cure.

Facts on Parkinson’s Disease

1.    There is no cure, but treatments vary for the condition.

2.    The symptoms progress differently for different people.

3.    Change in handwriting, in which handwriting becomes smaller or crowded over time, and loss of smell of foods is another one of the earlier symptoms.

4.    Exercise can help in improving many of Parkinson’s symptoms.

5.    There are designated centers to treat Parkinson’s disease.

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