Can individuals with Parkinson’s disease participate in advocacy efforts to improve Parkinson’s disease care in India?

March 25, 2025

The Parkinson’s Protocol™ By Jodi Knapp Parkinson’s disease cannot be eliminated completely but its symptoms can be reduced, damages can be repaired and its progression can be delayed considerably by using various simple and natural things. In this eBook, a natural program to treat Parkinson’s disease is provided online. it includes 12 easy steps to repair your body and reduce the symptoms of this disease. The creator of this program has divided into four segments to cover a complete plan to treat this disease along with improving your health and life by knowing everything about this health problem. The main focus of this program is on boosting the levels of hormone in your brain by making e a few easy changes in your lifestyle, diet, and thoughts


Can individuals with Parkinson’s disease participate in advocacy efforts to improve Parkinson’s disease care in India?

Yes, individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in India can definitely become engaged in advocacy to improve Parkinson’s disease care. In fact, their input is most valuable to raise awareness, advocate for policy change, and achieve improved care and services for individuals with the disease. Following are means by which individuals with Parkinson’s disease can engage in advocacy in India:

1. Membership with Parkinson’s Disease Support Groups and Organizations
Parkinson’s Disease Support Groups: There are several groups in India, such as the Parkinson’s Disease Society of India (PDSI) and The Parkinson’s Foundation of India, which are involved in the welfare of patients with Parkinson’s disease. These groups typically engage in advocacy work, create awareness about Parkinson’s disease, and conduct activities to improve the health of patients. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease can join these groups and participate in advocacy events, campaigns, and meetings.

Networking for Change: Being a member of a support network allows patients to connect with others who share the same type of difficulties. By sharing experiences and personal accounts, individuals are able to create awareness regarding the challenges faced by people with Parkinson’s disease, both socially and in medical treatment.
2. Participating in Awareness Campaigns
National and International Campaigns: Participating in national or local campaigns to create awareness of Parkinson’s disease can be one method of advocating for it. These could be activities like World Parkinson’s Day (April 11) and awareness weeks or months. Advocacy could include media campaigns, seminars, walks, and fundraising. Individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease can actively participate in planning or participating in these activities to create awareness of the disease.

Social Media and Digital Advocacy: Social media may be used by patients to give their testimony, raise awareness, and connect with a greater community. Most advocacy groups use online campaigns to make their reach greater, and Parkinson’s patients can be a part of it by sharing their experiences or connecting through online forums for better treatment and research support.

3. Engaging with Policymakers
Lobbying to Enhance Healthcare Policy: Individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease may approach local and national policymakers and lobby to enhance healthcare policy and increased care for those afflicted by the disease. This may cover easier access to medications, incorporating Parkinson’s disease into national healthcare plans, and enhanced facilities for diagnosis and treatment.

Collaboration with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs and advocacy groups generally work with policymakers to advocate for better healthcare services. People suffering from Parkinson’s disease can contribute to these organizations by becoming a part of advocacy groups so that they can make a stronger case for better Parkinson’s care at the government level.

4. Fundraising for Research and Support Services
Fundraising Activities: Fundraising is generally a vital component of advocacy in countries where public healthcare centers may not fully cover the cost of disease management. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease can directly donate or set up fundraising activities to fund research on the therapies of Parkinson’s disease, as well as patient care services such as physiotherapy or counseling, which may not always be readily available.

Collaboration with Research Institutions: Advocacy can also involve collaborating with research organizations and universities to promote Parkinson’s disease research in India. People with Parkinson’s disease can assist in clinical trials or share their experiences to help shape research efforts focused on improving treatment options.

5. Public Speaking and Media Involvement
Sharing Personal Experiences: People with Parkinson’s disease can share their experiences in public meetings, media, and events so that others are made aware of the problems they face because of PD. It makes the disease more personal and can encourage individuals to discuss how there needs to be better healthcare centers, more awareness, and more research on Parkinson’s disease.

Writing and Blogging: Writing op-eds, blogs, or articles about living with Parkinson’s disease and its challenges can be employed to raise public awareness. A number of individuals with Parkinson’s disease have resorted to blogging or writing to advocate for better care, support, and research.

6. Working with Healthcare Providers
Working with Healthcare Professionals: Patients with Parkinson’s disease can cooperate with doctors, physiotherapists, and other health professionals to lobby for improving care. Patients and health professionals can work together to find areas of deficiency in Parkinson’s disease care and lobby for improving the training of health staff, improving access to treatment, and quality treatment procedures.

7. Lobbying for Improved Disability Rights
Disability Rights and Accessibility Campaigning: In India, individuals with Parkinson’s disease can campaign for increased accessibility of individuals with disabilities, including those with Parkinson’s disease. This can include advocating for physical accessibility in the public sector, improved caregiver support, and increased financial support for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to afford healthcare.

Legal Advocacy: A demonstration or even contesting on bringing Parkinson’s disease under disability law in India or accessing benefit provisions for long-term conditions could be another category. This may require collaboration or engaging with legal professionals or associations especially engaged on work related to disability rights.

8. Alliance with Global Agencies for Parkinson’s Disease
Global Advocacy: Individuals in India can also collaborate with global organizations, such as Parkinson’s UK or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which enjoy international presence. Collaboration with these organizations can make it possible for individuals in India to contribute towards global advocacy, share ideas, and gain access to resources which may be capable of improving the care of Parkinson’s disease within India.

9. Designing Education Programs
Spreading Parkinson’s Disease Awareness: People with Parkinson’s disease can help develop educational programs for patients, caregivers, and the general public to spread awareness on how to cope with Parkinson’s disease. Education programs can include workshops, webinars, or community outreach in local communities.

Training Healthcare Providers: Another very important area of emphasis is promoting better training of healthcare professionals in recognizing and treating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s disease can collaborate with advocacy groups to make sure that healthcare workers are more aware of the disease, especially in rural or underserved areas.

Conclusion
Indian Parkinson’s disease sufferers have several options open to them to pursue advocacy, from being involved in local and national support groups, participating in awareness-raising campaigns, shaping the policies of policymakers, fundraising to support research, and collaborating with health professionals. In addition to assisting with improving their own care and support, the above activities also assist the broader Parkinson’s community through raising awareness, shaping healthcare policy, and improving access to services. By telling their stories and getting involved, people with Parkinson’s disease can have a real contribution to making the care better, research better, and social inclusion better for all those affected.
In India, research work to combat Parkinson’s disease (PD) is on the rise, with more emphasis on understanding the disease, improving treatment, and raising awareness. In the context of problems of an ageing population, environmental determinants, and genetic susceptibilities in India, several major research initiatives and institutions dedicated to Parkinson’s disease research are notable. These cover a wide range of fields, from basic sciences and clinical research to public health and awareness.

1. Academic and Government Research Institutions
Some of India’s top academic institutions and government research institutions are conducting research on Parkinson’s disease. The efforts are to know more about the genetic and environmental factors of the disease, to develop new medicines, and to improve patient care.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi: AIIMS is a top-tier medical research institution in India with ongoing research work in the discipline of neurology, including Parkinson’s disease. Their scope of research is the study of genetic factors, neurodegeneration, and finding innovative therapeutic strategies.

National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore: NIMHANS is among the premier research centers for psychiatric and neurological disorders. They conduct research on the clinical management of Parkinson’s disease, and psychosocial characteristics of the disease. Their work encompasses clinical trials and studies of the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR): ICMR is actively involved in funding research related to various neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. They support research on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.

2. Parkinson’s Disease Research in Genetics and Biomarkers
Genetic Study: Indian scientists are investigating genetic aspects of Parkinson’s disease. Studies are undertaken to determine genetic mutations, environmental risk factors, and geographic differences in the prevalence of Parkinson’s. AIIMS and NIMHANS are exploring how genetics, in addition to environmental exposures such as exposure to pesticides or heavy metals, contribute to the disease.

Biomarker Development: Early biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease are a priority research focus. Several Indian institutions are investigating whether and how blood tests, neuroimaging techniques, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis could be used to screen for PD early on, potentially increasing the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis.

3. Clinical Trials and Therapeutics Research
Parkinson’s Disease Clinical Trials: Clinical trials for novel therapies, treatments, and drugs for Parkinson’s disease are being conducted in India. For example, trials to investigate the efficacy of levodopa substitutes, gene therapies, and stem cell therapy-based interventions are being conducted at places like AIIMS and NIMHANS.

Stem Cell Research: Indian scientists are creating stem cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease. The research is directed towards the restoration of the impaired brain cells producing dopamine and lost in Parkinson’s disease. Indian research institutions, individually and jointly with international organizations, are researching the viability of stem cell therapies to cause neurons to regrow and bring permanent relief to PD patients.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Research is going on in India to determine the effectiveness of Deep Brain Stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease patients, particularly those unresponsive to drugs. AIIMS and NIMHANS are carrying out studies to explore long-term benefits and drawbacks of DBS, an operation which could relieve motor symptoms in advanced stages of Parkinson’s.

4. Parkinson’s Disease Awareness and Public Health Research
Awareness Campaigns and Education: Indian research is also focused on public health aspects, i.e., creating awareness among the population about Parkinson’s disease and educating them about early detection, the necessity of seeking medical care, and treatment options. The Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Society of India (PDMDS) conducts public awareness campaigns and tries to educate medical practitioners about ongoing research and treatment options for Parkinson’s disease.

Community Support Programs: Research into the efficacy of community-based interventions on the quality of life in Parkinson’s disease patients continues. Support groups and rehabilitation programs are being studied to determine how they can help manage the social and emotional components of the disease, including depression and anxiety, that are present in Parkinson’s patients.

5. Private Sector Research and Collaborations
Industry Partnerships: Along with academic and government initiatives, the Indian private sector is also playing an active role in Parkinson’s research. The pharmaceutical industry and biotech companies are partnering with academic centers and hospitals to carry out clinical trials, especially for drug development. A few Indian pharmaceutical companies have also teamed up with international bodies to identify new treatments for Parkinson’s disease, with a focus on the motor and non-motor aspects of the disease.

Partnership with Worldwide Research Networks: Indian scientists often collaborate with international research agencies, such as the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Parkinson’s Foundation, to develop research worldwide. With collaboration, India also has the opportunity to access the world’s best science for the nation’s advancement. Simultaneously, collaborations benefit Indian scientists to share their work on Parkinson’s disease with the scientific community worldwide.

6. Patient Support and Advocacy Groups
Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Society (PDMDS): It is one of the leading patient advocacy organizations in India. The PDMDS conducts research on patient care, social impact, and rehabilitation methods for Parkinson’s patients. They also raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and facilitate increased access to treatments, including medication, therapy, and surgery.

The Parkinson’s Foundation of India: This organization strives to provide education, financial aid, and emotional support to people with Parkinson’s disease and their families. They collaborate with medical professionals and researchers to improve patient care and assist in research on Parkinson’s disease in India.

7. International Cooperation on Parkinson’s Disease Research
India is also involved in global initiatives towards the understanding of Parkinson’s disease. Indian scientists are collaborating with international institutions to share data and findings, especially in neurodegeneration and disease development. The genetic diversity of India has been viewed as an asset for the understanding of the global patterns of the disease, specifically the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to Parkinson’s onset.

Conclusion
Research efforts for Parkinson’s disease in India are evolving in diverse aspects, including genetics, early diagnosis, treatment techniques, and improvement of patient care. Research and development departments under the government, academic institutions, and public-private partnerships are all contributing towards improved understanding of Parkinson’s and its implications. Furthermore, support groups for patients also play a critical role in raising awareness, counseling, and advancing research. Despite drawbacks such as limited facilities and healthcare in a few areas, India’s contribution to global research activity is helping to make headway in the fight against Parkinson’s disease with the aim of improving diagnosis, therapy, and patient quality of life.


The Parkinson’s Protocol™ By Jodi Knapp Parkinson’s disease cannot be eliminated completely but its symptoms can be reduced, damages can be repaired and its progression can be delayed considerably by using various simple and natural things. In this eBook, a natural program to treat Parkinson’s disease is provided online. it includes 12 easy steps to repair your body and reduce the symptoms of this disease. The creator of this program has divided into four segments to cover a complete plan to treat this disease along with improving your health and life by knowing everything about this health problem. The main focus of this program is on boosting the levels of hormone in your brain by making e a few easy changes in your lifestyle, diet, and thoughts