Bangalore, India | April 11, 2026: As the world observes World Parkinson’s Day, leading neurologists, neurosurgeons and patient advocacy groups are calling for urgent action to improve awareness, early diagnosis, and access to treatment for Parkinson’s disease a progressive neurological disorder affecting over 10 million people globally and among the fastest-growing neurological conditions worldwide.[i] Despite its significant and rising burden, Parkinson’s disease continues to be widely misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and inadequately treated.
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to impaired movement and coordination. While the exact cause remains unknown, experts believe it results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The disease typically affects individuals over the age of 60; however, nearly 10–15% of cases occur in people under 50, highlighting the need for broader awareness across age groups.[ii]
One of the most pressing challenges in Parkinson’s care is delayed diagnosis. Early symptoms are often subtle and mistakenly attributed to normal ageing, resulting in missed opportunities for timely intervention. Common symptoms include tremor (shaking), slowness of movement, stiffness in the limbs or trunk, and difficulty with balance and coordination.[iii] Over time, these symptoms may worsen and begin to interfere with everyday activities such as walking, speaking, or performing routine tasks independently.
In addition to motor symptoms, Parkinson’s disease is associated with a wide spectrum of non-motor symptoms that are frequently overlooked but have a profound impact on quality of life. These include depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, loss of smell, constipation, and autonomic dysfunction. Importantly, many of these non-motor symptoms may appear years before the onset of motor signs, offering a critical window for earlier detection and intervention.
“Parkinson’s disease awareness is crucial, as it is a well-recognised neurological condition that affects many individuals. While medications remain the initial line of treatment, many patients experience reduced effectiveness over time, along with fluctuations in symptom control. Advanced therapies such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) have transformed the treatment landscape, offering significant improvement in motor symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and movement difficulties. With ongoing advancements, adaptive DBS systems are further enhancing treatment precision by automatically adjusting stimulation based on a patient’s activity and brain signals. Patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease should not lose hope, as these therapies can help restore independence and improve daily functioning. Early consultation with a neurologist and neurosurgeon along with timely evaluation for advanced therapies can make a meaningful difference in quality of life,” said Dr. Raghuram Gopalakrishnan, Director & Senior Consultant, Head of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, KIMS Hospital.
On this World Parkinson’s Day, experts and patient advocates are united in their call to action: raise awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure equitable access to timely diagnosis and effective treatment for all individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. With ageing populations worldwide, the burden of the disease is expected to grow, underscoring the urgent need for greater investment in research, caregiver support, and healthcare infrastructure.
Patients, families, and caregivers are encouraged to seek medical evaluation at the nearest neurology or movement disorders clinic if symptoms are suspected. Timely consultation can play a crucial role in improving long-term outcomes and quality of life.
