World Parkinson’s Day (April 11, 2010)

Parkinson’s disease

• Is a degenerative neurological disorder of the central nervous system. The degeneration affects speech, movement and body posture.

• Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity and improper balance· Is chronic and progressive but not hereditary.

• One per cent of the Indian population is suffering from PD. Globally 6.3 million people have PD.· Is associated with old age. But the disease profile is getting younger.· Treatment options include drug therapy and surgical therapy (deep brain stimulation).