Did you know? Parkinson's affects 11.77 million people worldwide¹, with over 1 million cases in India² alone.
Every day, we want to feel life in all its colors and shades. But for people with Parkinson’s, life is different. Little by little, Parkinson’s chips away at their precious moments and so many of life’s pleasures. But people with Parkinson’s are not alone. There are support groups and therapies that can improve their quality of life and help them feel more independent again.Teams at Medtronic and the EPDA see the effects of Parkinson’s every day. That’s why we are committed to making life better and easier for people with Parkinson’s, and everyone else who is affected by the condition. We are all in this together. So, if you’re living with Parkinson’s, you’re not alone.
The right treatment may help control Parkinson’s symptoms.
On World Parkinson’s Day let’s combine our efforts to raise awareness for this disease affecting millions of people worldwide.
About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's symptoms and treatments.
Treatments available
Medications, Devices and treatments.
Lifestyle therapies
Lifestyle therapies that may help.
Patient Journey
From diagnosis to the time when symptoms are no longer managed.
Considering Deep Brain Stimulation?
Would you like to know more about DBS?
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder and is considered to be one of the most common neurological conditions.
Every case of Parkinson’s is different and not everyone will experience the same symptoms. For example, not all people develop tremor – for some, rigidity is the major symptom.
A broad range of healthcare professionals are involved in managing Parkinson’s disease, they will be greatly influenced by good two-way communication, so talk openly with them so that they understand the specific difficulties and concerns. They will then be able to tailor treatment to address your individual needs.
Treatment typically starts with medications aimed at helping to reduce movement symptoms with the fewest side effects.
As Parkinson’s progresses, medications may become less effective. This is when device-assisted therapies may help. Many people with Parkinson’s find that device-assisted therapies (or surgery) make a real difference to their lives.
Exercise
2.5 hours per week slows progress of symptoms.3
Healthy Eating
Well balanced eating.4
Creativity
Art, singing, playing musical instruments, gardening.5
Mindfulness
Taking care of yourself.6
Living with Parkinson’s can affect a broad range of everyday activities. Making some small lifestyle changes and taking a positive approach to activities can all help to maintain independence and a good quality of life.7
There is no doubt that a positive outlook, along with a determination to overcome obstacles and focus on what is possible, can help a person with the disease to adapt to life with Parkinson’s and continue to enjoy the activities they like.
These are only a few supportive therapies, but there are many more. Reach out to your local support groups to find out what's available to you.
If you are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, we understand that this will have come as a shock. While there is no cure yet, the right treatment or therapy may help control your symptoms.
Many people with Parkinson’s find that staying informed about their condition and taking an active role in their treatment helps them feel more in control.
Carers and family are key members of a multidisciplinary care team and can take an active role in decisions regarding treatment and care. This could include being aware of different treatment options and knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each. This will enable meaningful discussions and will help everyone to ask the right questions and also to understand the decisions that are made with the doctor.
5 steps to check you're eligible for DBS Therapy9,10
- You’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s for at least 5 years7
- Movement symptoms not adequately controlled with your current medication
- You currently respond to Levodopa medication
- You’ve had movement symptoms for a minimum of 4 months
- You have had side effects from your current medication
DBS is highly effective in properly selected patients.It is a surgery that provides patients with relief from many Parkinson’s symptoms through electrical stimulation.
Read more about the window of opportunity for DBS below.
Brief Statement:
Information contained herein does not replace the recommendations of your healthcare professional. [See the device manual for detailed information regarding the instructions for use, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and potential adverse events]. For further information, contact your Health Care Professional.
References
- Luo Y, Qiao L, Li M, Wen X, Zhang W and Li X (2025) Global, regional, nationalepidemiology and trends of Parkinson’sdisease from 1990 to 2021: findings from theGlobal Burden of Disease Study 2021.Front. Aging Neurosci. 16:1498756.doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1498756
- Kishore, A., Sturm, M., Soman Pillai, K. et al. Resequencing the complete SNCA locus in Indian patients with Parkinson’s disease. npj Parkinsons Dis. 10, 85 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-024-00676-4
- Whiteman H. Parkinson's: 2.5 hours of weekly exercise benefits mobility, quality of life [online]. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316573#Mobility,-quality-of-life-improved-with-regular-exercise. Accessed February 21, 2022.
- Parkinson's Foundation. Diet & Nutrition [online]. Available at: https://www.parkinson.org/Living-with-Parkinsons/Managing-Parkinsons/Diet-and-Nutrition#:~:text=While%20there%20is%20no%20prescription,such%20as%20meat%20and%20beans. Accessed February 21, 2022.
- EPDA. Leisure, creativity and creative therapies [online]. Available at: https://www.epda.eu.com/living-well/wellbeing/leisure-creativity-and-creative-therapies/ Accessed February 21, 2022.
- van der Heide A MM, Speckens AEM, Peerbolte TF, Bloem BR, Helmich RC. Stress and Mindfulness in Parkinson's Disease: Clinical Effects and Potential Underlying Mechanisms. Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society 2021;36:64-70.
- EPDA. Living a full life with Parkinson's. https://www.epda.eu.com/about-parkinsons/parkinson-s-faqs/living-a-full-life-with-parkinsons/ Accessed January 11, 2022.
- Parkinson's UK. Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's. Published online November 2019. https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-02/B123_DBS_FINAL_WEB.pdf , Accessed January 11, 2022.
- EPDA. Living a full life with Parkinson's. https://www.epda.eu.com/about-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/ Accessed January 11, 2022.
- Okun MS, Foote KD. Parkinson's disease DBS: what, when who, and why? The time has come to tailor DBS targets. Expert Rev Neurother 2010;10(12):1847-1857.