The reason for the sudden growth and rising cases of this condition is still unknown. But this brain disorder shows visible signs of change in the human body, which can lead to judgment and biases in society and be hard for people to live with. When one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, they become aware, but that is not enough. We need to become aware as a community to help each other.  

What is Parkinson’s? 

Parkinson’s brain disorder is caused by a sudden or slow loss in some nerve cells in the brain, in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This part of the brain and its nerve cells are responsible for producing a vital chemical called dopamine.  

This chemical functions as a carrier and stimulator of human body movements. When these nerve cells are damaged, the dopamine secretion reduces and hampers the locomotive functions of the human body. Regular body movements start to take a backseat and can become a real issue to go on with your daily life once affected by this brain disorder.  

Though research has been on for decades, sadly, like many other neurological disorders and diseases, Parkinson’s does not have any complete cure. This brain condition has an official onset, and symptoms start showing when more than 80% of the nerve cells in the substantia nigra are already damaged. This makes finding a cure or researching a cure even harder. 

But everything is not so grim; there are many symptomatic treatments and drugs to help patients deal with the tremors and mobility issues. Without these regular medications, your loved ones' functioning might completely stop. So you need to update yourself about it and talk to doctors, do your own research and get them the best aid and medicines possible to minimize the symptoms.  

This is the best and only way to give them a life of dignity and respect. Patients should also start therapy and join support groups to deal with the sudden mental burden of this condition. This will help them deal and live with it better and make them feel like a part of a community rather than dealing with it all alone.  

Imagine this, you go out to do your typical daily jobs, and your hands start shaking, and you become conscious of your movements. This is the everyday life of a Parkinson’s patient.  

The added stigma of this is that the world thinks when your hands and legs tremor, your intellectual side also suffers. Battling societal stigma is difficult too.

Spread the word 

Like World Health Organization (WHO) is hosting an event to launch their webinar and Parkinson’s awareness program in Canada this 14th of June. It is titled “Parkinson Disease: a public health approach,” and it hopes to raise awareness about handling this condition and its lack of prevention, how to prevent it, its treatment and strengthening people to live with it. They also want these webinars and meetings to strengthen countries in handling this fastest-growing neurological disorder which is hugely impacting the healthcare systems. The organizers believe that only interdisciplinary care can help in solving this global crisis and lead us closer to care. Reading up about Parkinson’s is important, but bringing this topic into the general conversation is also equally vital, and such talks and discussions can help pave the way.  

Even people who are not affected by this condition directly or indirectly need to know about it to make patients feel normal and comfortable in their skin. Their lives are already pretty hard; why not do your bit to make it a little less challenging?  

Caring for someone with Parkinson’s 

When one family member is affected by Parkinson’s, the whole family lives with it. Caregiving is a daily task and can take a toll on the caregivers as well. Seeing your loved ones slowly deteriorate and struggling with life's basics when they were fit and refined a few months back can be a real challenge.  

There is no shame in accepting that caregiving can be overwhelming; you can simplify it by hiring a professional caregiver who is trained to handle Parkinson’s patients. If you plan to do it yourself, you can look for a support group for caregivers to help your own mental health and not succumb to this pressure.  

Such inspiring stories and big brands joining hands with people to make a positive change is an excellent start to beating this condition and getting closer to finding a cure. Finding such stories and making patients interact with them is a necessary change to help them live everyday life.  

Parting Thoughts 

Is your loved one who has Parkinson’s? Do you have sleepless nights over their worsening conditions? We have a ray of hope for you. Right here in Toronto, they have started the first clinical trial of Parkinson’s treatment.  

Though it is still in the early stages, a lot of hope is attached to it. It is time you hold your hearts and wait for the breakthrough. Until then, provide the patients with the utmost compassion and empathy and raise your own awareness with books, articles, podcasts, and such to take better care of them. 

Here’s to a better tomorrow!