Parkinson's on the Rise: An Urgent Call for Action

Parkinson's disease is poised to ensnare 12-17 million people by 2040, a sobering statistic that demands immediate action. While we've managed the symptoms through a slow, measured routine and current evidenced based care, the critical need is for a bold new approach – disease modification.

As a neuro-occupational therapist dedicated to improving the lives of people with neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease (PD), the recent The Lancet publication brings a harsh light but also, a roaring rallying cry to arms.

You'd likely agree, he projected 12-17 million cases globally by 2040 is a stark wake-up call.

While existing treatments manage symptoms, they leave an individual and their loved ones vulnerable to the debilitating realities of gait and balance issues, cognitive decline, and speech difficulties. It's those non motor issues that are especially disabling.

We need a paradigm shift - from symptom management to disease modification.

The recent Lancet series highlighting gaps in our understanding of PD is a crucial step in the right direction.

It's time to reorient our research questions, focusing on:

* Early intervention strategies:?Can we identify and target neuroprotective mechanisms to prevent disease progression?

* Holistic approaches:?How can we integrate occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and cognitive interventions to maximise function and optimise well-being?

* Personalised medicine:?How can we tailor treatment based on individual genetic/ epigenetic, lifestyle, and brain function profiles?

This is not just an academic pursuit; it's a lifeline for millions struggling with PD.

The Lancet - I would love to see some more publication light on cognitive - non motor interventions!!!

It's something of a puzzle that I know I've been trying to work on.

Perhaps too much in a silo.

No doubt, my team and I are at the frontline, witnessing the daily challenges and "functional and life potential" that is frustratingly debridded by this disease.

We, the PD serving community, need to be vocal advocates for research that translates into tangible improvements in quality of life.

Let's leverage the Lancet series momentum to fuel collaborative research efforts that prioritise disease modification.

It's not just about extending lifespan; it's about ensuring those extra years are lived with dignity, independence, and joy.

Join me in sharing this post, their vision and call to action let's set a future where PD doesn't steal the ability to live life to the fullest.

Together, we can make a difference.

#ParkinsonsDisease #Research #NeuroOT #DiseaseModification #QualityOfLife

P.S. Don't miss the linked Lancet series for deeper insights and action points! https://www.thelancet.com/series/parkinsons-disease

David Norris, Neuro-Occupational Therapist

P.P.S. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. We're in this together!