Is Your Father Suddenly Falling or Struggling to Walk? It Could Be Parkinson’s Disease

If an otherwise active father is suddenly dull, walking slowly, falling frequently, or shows stiffness in the body, it might not be just aging — these could be early signs of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a progressive neurological condition.

Timely consultation with a neurologist is crucial for proper diagnosis and early treatment, which can lead to significant improvement and in some cases, complete recovery.

Dr. Anirudh Rao Deshmukh, Consultant - Interventional Neurologist and Stroke Specialist, Aster Prime Hospital, emphasizes that Parkinson’s disease occurs when dopamine levels in the brain decrease, similar to how diabetes results from low insulin levels. “Parkinson’s is most common in individuals above 60 years of age, but we are now witnessing cases even in people in their 20s,” he shared.

Unlike other diseases that may remain hidden, Parkinson’s shows visible physical symptoms, making early detection possible. Key symptoms include:

Decreased facial expressions

Unusual silence or withdrawal

Body stiffness

Mild tremors in the hands

Inability to hold objects properly

Slowed walking or frequent falls

However, these symptoms are often misinterpreted as temporary depression or grief-related stress. “Families often assume it will pass, especially after a personal loss,” says Dr. Anirudh. “But it's important to consult a neurologist to identify whether the issue is physical or psychological and begin the appropriate treatment.”

Options for Parkinson’s included medications to increase dopamine or surgical methods like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). However, with advancements in medical science, doctors can now identify the root causes of the disease and tailor treatment accordingly.

Dr. Anirudh recalled a recent case where a patient presented classic Parkinson’s symptoms. Upon testing, it was discovered that autoimmune antibodies were attacking the patient’s dopamine-producing cells. “We started immunotherapy, and within a short time, the patient made a complete recovery and returned to a normal lifestyle,” he said. “This was previously unimaginable — Parkinson’s was once considered a lifelong condition requiring constant medication or brain stimulation procedures.”

Certain food habits and lifestyle choices can also contribute to dopamine loss. To reduce the risk of Parkinson’s, Dr. Anirudh recommends:

Avoiding packaged and processed foods

Limiting exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides

Regular physical exercise

Maintaining a nutritious, balanced diet

Staying mentally and socially active

On the occasion of World Parkinson’s Day, Dr. Anirudh urges the public not to ignore early symptoms. “Early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and a healthy lifestyle can lead to significantly better outcomes. In some cases, Parkinson’s can even be reversed — what once felt like a lifelong burden can now be a curable condition.”