81-year-old woman with Parkinson’s successfully treated

By Health In Five Writer

A team headed by Dr. Pavan Pai, Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road successfully treated an 81-year-old woman with Parkinson’s. The patient who was unable to do her daily activities with ease has resumed her normal routine.

Life was smooth until the patient Mrs. Aruna Modi a resident of Mira Road, suddenly encountered problems with movement and suffered from a urine infection, a year ago. She suddenly lost interest in her real-world activities like bathing and avoided getting involved in family discussions. She would remain aloof and later required support for performing daily chores. Her worried family members assumed that she is depressed and took her to various medicos but nothing helped. However, the patient was brought to Neurology OPD at Wockhardt Hospital in August 2020, wherein she was able to get back on track.

Dr. Pavan Pai, Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, highlighted, “On arrival, a series of tests like MRI confirmed that the patient suffered from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) type of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a long-term, degenerative, neurological disease that leads to the loss of control over some body functions. It causes slowing of movement, shaking, difficulty in moving the eyes, dull facial expressions, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination in people. It predominately takes a toll on the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain known as substantia nigra. As the disease progresses, one may have difficulty walking and talking, and advanced age is the risk factor for the occurrence of Parkinson’s.”

Dr Pai added, “The patient was immediately started on dopamine replacement therapy. After a week, the dosage of the medication was increased and she improved a lot. In the 1^st week of September 2020, the patient started walking without the support and resumed her daily routine. She started having conversations with people and even played cards. Around 12% of patients visiting me on a daily basis have Parkinson’s disease. Timely intervention is key to manage the disease. On follow-up after 8 months, the patient is not only leading a normal life but also started performing activities like cooking which she enjoyed doing earlier.”

“I was shattered and lost interest in day-to-day life. First, I thought it is depression but prompt diagnosis at Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road confirmed it is Parkinson’s disease. If you are above 60 and suddenly lose interest in daily activities then get yourself checked before the condition worsens. I thank the doctors for giving me a new lease of life” concluded patient Mrs. Aruna Modi.

Watch out for these symptoms of Parkinson’s disease