In commemoration of World Parkinson’s Day, the Department of Neurology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi organized a Public Awareness Program on Parkinson’s Disease today from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The event aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to disseminate knowledge about the latest advancements in its diagnosis and treatment.
Over 100 attendees, including patients with Parkinson’s disease, their caregivers, and members of the general public, gathered for the annual event. AIIMS, renowned for its expertise in neurology, boasts one of the earliest established Movement Disorder clinics in the country and offers comprehensive management of PD, including a specialized Deep Brain Stimulation clinic.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, and Prof. Shailesh Gaikwad, Chief of the Neurosciences Center. Prof. Manjari Tripathi, Head of the Department of Neurology, addressed the audience, highlighting the institute’s significant contributions to the field of Parkinson’s disease research and patient care.
A panel discussion led by Prof. Achal Srivastava, Professor of Neurology, delved into the diagnosis and treatment modalities for PD. The panel comprised experts such as Dr. Roopa Rajan, Dr. Kanwaljeet Garg, Dr. Divya M.R., Dr. Animesh Das, Dr. Vaibhav Patil, Dr. Divyani Garg, and Mrs. Meenu Marwaha, who fielded questions from the audience on various aspects of the disease.
Prior to the interactive session, two practical workshops on physiotherapy and nutrition were conducted by Dr. Rajiv Aggarwal, Senior Physiotherapist, and Dr. Mala Manral, Dietician, respectively. These sessions emphasized the importance of holistic care in managing PD, addressing both motor and non-motor symptoms such as depression and sleep disturbances.
The discussion also explored advanced treatment options for Parkinson’s disease, including medications and innovative therapies such as deep brain stimulation and apomorphine infusion. Moreover, a segment titled “Living with PD” provided a platform for individuals living with the condition to share their experiences, challenges, and insights with fellow patients and caregivers.
The event was livestreamed on YouTube, allowing a wider audience to participate virtually, and will be accessible on the AIIMS official YouTube channel for future reference.
In summary, the Public Awareness Program on Parkinson’s Disease organized by AIIMS served as a vital platform for education, dialogue, and support, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease.
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