Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
What is Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?
Parkinson’s Disease is an illness which causes degeneration of brain cells and affects parts of the body controlled by the brain. In this illness- restricted movement, tremors, and stiffness is seen. PD may also cause problems with sleep and affect people’s mental state.
Main Symptoms:
- Tremors
- Certain body parts (e.g., hands/legs) may get tremors while at rest
- Restricted Movement
- Loss of balance
Other symptoms:
- Sadness, worry, loss of sleep
- Urinary Symptoms
- Loss of smell
- Body pain
- Constipation
Treatment with Medicines:
Parkinson’s is caused by destruction of brain cells producing dopamine. In the brain, to balance this, natural dopamine is replaced by medicines L Dopa (Levodopa) or Pramipexole or Ropinirole
Side-Effects of Medicines:
When Dopamine level increases in the blood, following effects are seen:
- Nausea
- Swelling in feet
- Feeling giddy when standing from lying down position
- Behavioral changes
Treatment- Apart from Medication:
- Yoga
- Physiotherapy
- Speech Therapy
Any patient suffering from Parkinson’s Disease symptoms may enrol
The registration procedure includes a standard patient assessment done by a therapist at the support group Center- where some personal details + PD specific details are noted. Family members may accompany the patients for sessions as well.
Contact Dr Nikita Chhajed – 9665075605 or Janine Garda- 9850970804 for more information
Services are provided free of cost.
Days/Timings
The PD Support Group gathers once a week- on Wednesdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Vaccination Centre at KEM Hospital, Pune. (Outside Diamond Drug Store)
Multidisciplinary Care for PwP including-
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Music, Dance and Art Therapy
- Educational lectures, discussions, demonstrations and information on psychological and cognitive care, diet and exercise
Persons with Parkinson’s Disease face several physical and mental issues and hence require additional help in the form of a support group. The members of the Support Group offer each other emotional and social support. Every meeting is an opportunity for the members and their caregivers to socialise while being provided education and therapy.