ODAY as we mark World Parkinson`s Day, medical experts have renewed calls for increased funding into global research for new treatments for a motor neuron disease that is not only afflicting an older population, but even those under 40. In Pakistan, 600,000 patients are believed to suffer from Parkinson`s the number is estimated to double by 2030. It is unfortunate, then, that most medical practitioners remain unaware of its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Resulting in the degeneration of the central nervous system, this disease directly impacts nerves that handle the body`s motor functions. When the brain stops producing neurotransmitters, namely dopamine, nerve cells impact normal muscle functions. Physical symptoms include tremors, slow movement, rigidity and impaired balance. Poor sleep, depression and dementia may also be signs. And although it has been 200 years since Parkinson`s was first recognised as a health condition by a London-based doctor, James Parkinson, there is still no cure to halt or reverse the disease, one which is heartbreaking for families as they watch their loved ones struggle to walk, talk and sleep. Because the main drug prescribed levodopa has not changed since the 1960s, it is imperative that global health organisations are allocated increased funding for developing therapies and medicine.

It is worrisome to note that doctors say that over 100 people are diagnosed daily with Parkinson`s in Pakistan, and, although its exact cause is unknown, it is often linked to both environmental and genetic factors,. Although most patients receiving diagnosis and treatment should live long and active lives, new drugs are needed toreverse the progression ofthis disease.Thisis also because it frequently strikes young people, such as actor Michael J. Fox, leaving them with debilitating mobility issues. It is difficult to detect Parkinson`s in the early stages, and doctors must learn to observe patients closely to administer treatment. Further, because this disease is often misdiagnosed as an old persons` ailment, the global research community should campaign more vociferously for better treatment and an eventual cure.