Parkinson’s No Longer Just an Elderly Disease! Here's What May Help in Prevention

As the world observes Parkinson’s Day on April 11, doctors are urging greater awareness of the neurological condition—once considered a disease of the elderly—that is increasingly affecting younger people. Experts emphasise that while there is no complete cure for Parkinson’s, a healthy lifestyle involving diet, exercise, and mental activity may help reduce the risk or delay onset.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, leading to tremors, rigidity, and slow movement. Over time, patients may also experience depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, and cognitive issues.

Tremor is the most common symptom, say doctors. Other early signs include disturbed sleep, constipation, and general fatigue. As the disease progresses, patients find it difficult to perform daily tasks, and even handwriting may change.

Treatment involves dopamine-replacement drugs like levodopa, which reduce tremors and stiffness but can cause motor fluctuations and side effects such as hallucinations. Advanced cases may require deep brain stimulation (DBS)—a surgical procedure where electrodes are implanted to mimic dopamine’s effects. While DBS can reduce medication dependence by up to 50%, it carries surgical risks, including potential stroke.

Doctors also caution against common myths. People often wrongly link Parkinson’s to emotional trauma or ageing, but in reality even individuals as young as 24 are being diagnosed.

He advised cutting back on sugar and junk food, maintaining a consistent sleep cycle, and eating organic food to support brain health. Mental and physical activity are crucial. Staying mentally engaged and physically active can play a preventive role, say experts.

Genetic testing may help those with a family history assess risk early, say doctors, urging people not to dismiss symptoms as age-related changes.