As World observes Parkinson’s Day on 11th of April, the spotlight turns toward a neurological disorder that silently afflicts millions: Parkinson’s disease (PD). With an estimated 700,000 Indians currently living with Parkinson’s, the burden is expected to double by 2030, driven by an aging population and mounting environmental and lifestyle risk factors. Despite its growing prevalence, Parkinson’s continues to be underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and financially overwhelming for many families.
A Growing Challenge
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. While it is commonly associated with aging, its causes are multifactorial:
- Demographic Shifts: By 2050, nearly 19% of India’s population will be over the age of 60. This demographic change will lead to a sharp rise in age-related neurodegenerative conditions.
- Environmental Risks: Studies link exposure to pesticides in rural areas and urban pollution to increased PD risk. However, India’s regulatory framework to curb such exposures remains weak.
- Lifestyle Factors: Sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and chronic stress are also believed to accelerate disease onset and progression.
The Hidden Struggles of Parkinson’s Patients
Beyond the physical symptoms, the journey of a Parkinson’s patient is fraught with challenges:
- Misdiagnosis: Early symptoms like tremors or stiffness are often dismissed as “normal aging.” In some rural areas, cultural misconceptions even label the disease as a “curse.”
- Mental Health Toll: Around 40% of Parkinson’s patients suffer from depression, yet mental health services remain scarce and unaffordable.
- Financial Burden: Treatments like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) cost upwards of ₹15–20 lakh, while monthly medication expenses often range from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000—making treatment inaccessible for many.
A Technological Breakthrough: AIIMS Delhi Leads the Way
Amid this backdrop, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, has introduced a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment that could change the landscape of Parkinson’s care in India. It is the first government hospital in the country to adopt MRgFUS (Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound) technology.
This cutting-edge technique uses real-time MRI to guide focused ultrasound beams to target specific brain areas—without making a single incision. It offers an alternative to the traditional DBS procedure, which involves surgically implanting electrodes into the brain.
According to Dr. Manjari Tripathi, head of the neurology department at AIIMS, “This is a game-changer. For the first time, we can treat certain neurological conditions without surgery, pain, or long recovery times.”
Initially, the facility is expected to treat about 100 patients annually, with the number potentially growing over time. Compared to private hospitals—where MRgFUS treatment can cost up to ₹20 lakh—AIIMS aims to offer this therapy at less than half the cost, making it significantly more affordable for Indian patients. The major expense will be the consumables, such as the ultrasonic cap, not the procedure itself.
While private hospitals like Apollo, Fortis Bengaluru, Medanta, and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital also offer MRgFUS, AIIMS is the first in the public sector to make this technology accessible to a broader population. However, Dr. Tripathi cautions that this treatment isn’t suitable for all PD patients, and careful case selection will be essential.
A Call to Action: Building a Supportive Ecosystem
As India grapples with the rising tide of Parkinson’s, a multi-pronged approach is needed to tackle this public health challenge:
- Early Detection: Training frontline health workers like ASHA workers to recognize early symptoms in rural areas can lead to timely diagnoses.
- Accessible Treatment: Including Parkinson’s medications in essential drug lists and subsidizing therapies can reduce the financial strain on families.
- Community Outreach: Strengthening NGO-led support networks can provide services like physiotherapy, counselling, and caregiver training.
- Policy Change: World Parkinson’s Day should prompt policymakers to invest in neurology hubs, fund India-specific research, and combat social stigma through awareness campaigns.
TISHHA’s Take
Behind every tremor is a story of resilience, hope, and an unspoken plea for compassion. India’s fight against Parkinson’s disease goes beyond medical intervention—it is a test of empathy, inclusiveness, and commitment. With innovations like MRgFUS and a national movement toward awareness and support, we can begin to see the invisible and give dignity back to those silently struggling.