A pandemic on the horizon?

With cases of Parkinson’s disease more than doubling in the last 25 years, a pandemic seems to be on the horizon. Scientists have warned it is now the world’s fastest growing neurological disorder, even ahead of dementia, and it shows no signs of decreasing. Currently, there are about 6.9 million Parkinson’s patients worldwide, and by 2040, the number is estimated to increase to 14.2 million as the population grows older.

Some neurologists are now demanding those with Parkinson’s Disease to protest to raise awareness in the hope of eventually finding a cure. According to the latest statistics, the rate of growth of Parkinson’s will outdo Alzheimer’s. Professor Ray Dorsey, of the University of Rochester, New York, said, “Pandemics are usually equated with infectious diseases like Zika, influenza and HIV. But neurological disorders are now the leading cause of disability in the world, and the fastest growing is Parkinson’s disease.” We asked experts how do we fare locally, when it comes to Parkinson’s Disease. Read on to know more...

EXPERTS SPEAK

Dr Ramesh Patankar, neurologist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, say, “No, Parkinson’s disease pandemic is not on the horizon although neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability in the world. Parkinson’s is one among the many neurological diseases that are increasingly affecting across the world.”

Agrees Dr Om Saraf, neurologist, SRV Hospital,  “Parkinson’s Disease is not pandemic. Yes, cases are on rise, however, that is mostly due to the lack of awareness and resources to combat the disease. We are definitely able to diagnose better now but there is a need for more effective methods.”

On the other hand, Dr Pradeep Mahajan, surgeon and regenerative medicine researcher, Adigos Stem Cells, says that the burden of neurological disorders is increasing in most countries especially in populations over 65 years of age. “Parkinson’s Disease is now being recognised as a universal disorder/pandemic, with a crude incidence rate of 4.5-19 per 1,00,000 population per year. Being a chronic condition, prevalence rates are higher than incidence rates,” he says.

CASES ON THE RISE, SOME YOUNG PEOPLE AFFECTED TOO

In his practice, about four to five per cent comprise patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Dr Saraf usually sees one new case per week. He says that cases have doubled in the last 25 years in India as well. Though it usually affects the elderly, nowadays he sees a lot of 30-35 year olds struggling with Parkinson’s. Mainly, this is due to poor lifestyle habits and a history of drug abuse rather than  genetics. It is more common in men.

Dr Patankar who sees almost eight to 10 per cent of Parkinson’s patients in a day, says that the current lifestyle and environmental conditions play a major role. Various factors like increasing awareness about Parkinson’s, rising pollution and increasing longevity are few reasons for the rise in cases. Most of the patients are above 50 years of age but in very rare cases due to genetic reasons, some may get it at a younger age as well. This is called Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease.

CAUSES FOR THE RISE

A decrease in the number of neurons has been observed as an individual ages. In Parkinson’s  Disease, cell death in certain parts of the brain occurs, which may affect up to 70 per cent of the required neurotransmitter secreting (dopamine) neurons. Also, accumulation of a substance, known as Lewy bodies, in the remaining neurons are responsible for most of the motor symptoms and disability, informs Dr Mahajan.

He further adds that research indicates that environmental and lifestyle changes are potential causes for the increase in the rates of Parkinson’s Disease. With changing times and growing population, there’s an increase in the use of pesticides and other chemical agents in farming as well as increase in number of unhealthy lifestyle practices (junk food, smoking, etc).