High occurrence and low recognition of Parkinsonism (and possible PD) in old age homes in Bangalore, South India.

BACKGROUND: The elderly population in developing countries is likely to increase by 200-280%. Age related diseases like Parkinsonism are also likely to increase in ageing population. The prevalence and awareness of Parkinsonism (and possible PD) amongst them are unknown. METHODS AND MATERIAL: The objective was to know the awareness and occurrence of Parkinsonism (and possible PD) in Old Age Homes in Bangalore, South India. The study design was prospective, direct clinical evaluation, and it was old age homes in Bangalore, South India setting. There were six hundred and twelve residents of the old age homes in Bangalore. A movement disorder neurologist examined 612 elderly residents living in Old age Homes in Bangalore city, India. RESULTS: Parkinsonism was diagnosed in 109 (17.8%) of 612 residents. Possible PD was diagnosed in 9 (1.5% of 612) while in 100 (16.3% of 612) definite PD was diagnosed.94 (86.2%) had bilateral Parkinsonian signs (Stage > or = 2 of Hoehn & Yahr), only 4 (3.7%) of them or the caregivers knew they had PD. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about the disease was very low in the elderly residents although the occurrence of Parkinsonism was very high. Improving awareness of PD amongst the elderly and their caregivers might reduce their disability and improve their quality of life.

Epidemiology of Parkinson's disease and movement disorders in India: problems and possibilities.

Improving economy and health in developing countries like India, has increased the life span and changed the emphasis from communicable to noncommunicable diseases. This is likely to increase the prevalence of movement disorders and, age-related diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD). We review Indian epidemiological studies to describe: a) Prevalence of movement disorders, b) methodological issues and c) potential of epidemiological research in a country with multiple ethnic races and environmental risks for PD. Most Indian epidemiological studies do not specifically assess PD and figures are from studies evaluating all neurological diseases. Well-designed Indian studies on PD and essential tremors estimate prevalence rates in Parsis who are ethnically different from Indians. We compare Indian prevalence studies with other parts of the world to examine the role of ethnicity in PD. Lack of accurate epidemiological data on PD and movement disorders creates an urgent need for properly designed and conducted epidemiological studies in India. This will help find out their load, identify areas of focus, create public health policies for elderly Indians and, possibly, provide etiological clues to the pathogenesis of PD.

Botulinum toxins: pharmacology and its current therapeutic evidence for use.

Botulinum toxins are, as a group, among the most potent neuromuscular toxins known, yet they are clinically useful in the management of conditions associated with muscular and glandular over-activity. Botulinum toxins act by preventing release of acetylcholine into the neuromuscular junction. While botulinum toxin type A is commonly available, different manufacturers produce specific products, which are not directly interchangeable and should not be considered as generically equivalent formulations. Type B is also available in the market. Each formulation of botulinum toxin is unique with distinct dosing, efficacy and safety profiles for each use to which it is applied. Botulinum toxin type A is the treatment of choice based on its depth of evidence in dystonias and most other conditions. Botulinum toxin type A is established as useful in the management of spasticity, tremors, headache prophylaxis and several other neurological conditions. Active research is underway to determine the parameters for which the type B toxin can be used in these conditions, as covered in this review. Botulinum toxin use has spread to several fields of medicine.