I am a 72-year-old woman, suffering from Parkinson’s disease for the last six years. I have a history of constipation and hypertension. I take Amtas-AT, Losartash-HT, Losartash-50 and Syndopa Plus. Blood pressure is now normal with no sugar. My heart arteries are clear. Of late, I have been suffering from mild palpitations along with an uncomfortable sense of trembling inside. My bowel movement now is almost uncertain, irregular and cannot be tackled without costly medicines like Duphalac, Laxopeg. Can you kindly advise so that it could be made little easier certain and less costly?

Maya Roy,Vishakapatnam

Parkinson’s disease has no specific cure yet, though its effects can be curbed using medication. As of now, these are the lowest-priced medicines available to treat the symptoms you are experiencing. The aforementioned medicines have several side effects, especially Syndopa Plus. These medicines only provide symptomatic relief. You could opt for a surgical correction of your condition — a small procedure which essentially stimulates the brain, the same way the drugs you use do. This can cost around `5 lakh. As far as your bowel movements are concerned, you can consume laxatives like banana and milk.
- Dr Narasinga Rao, neurosurgeon, Nimhans

This is my query about blood pressure in elderly people. Elderly people and some doctors too hold an opinion that systolic pressure is mainly age related and can be around 150 and one need not worry about it; diastolic pressure is more important and can be in the range of 60 to 80. I request you to kindly comment on this.
Narasimha Rao

In elderly population, systolic blood pressure 150 needs to be treated. Earlier, people thought systolic BP was age-related. However, latest research shows keeping systolic BP less than 150 mm reduce incidence of stroke and heart failure. Both systolic and distolic BP are important. Systolic BP more that 135mm and distolic BP more than 85 mm should be treated with appropriate anti-hypertensive medication.

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