Parkinson's Disease And Women

Women are the most vulnerable populations that are attacked by Parkinson's disease. Patients with this ailment are in themselves physically, mentally, and socially vulnerable. But, when women have a shortage of healthcare professionals or supplies in their area, or face healthcare failures, or have other personal barriers like socio-economic status, cultural differences, and linguistic differences, they are even more vulnerable. Moreover, it has been researched that women with Parkinson's do not receive the same care or advocacy as men or children who face the same ailment.

While women have an overall lower risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson's than men, the total number of women living with the ailment is almost similar to men, as women live longer than men. The resilience to the ailment might be because of a natural protection – estrogen – which is absent in men. But, women who are diagnosed with Parkinson's face more struggles throughout the course of their disease than men. This means that women are more protected biologically, but have a tougher Parkinson's journey than men. They may not only have overwhelmed care partners and receive zero social support, but they may also have side effects from their medications.

The problem with medications is because Parkinson's disease studies are generally done keeping the male population in mind, because men have a greater risk of encountering the problem. Scientists do not actively focus on the female paradox, and healthcare systems and policies reflect lack of attention in regards to the same. But, efforts should be put in to involve women in the research as lots of women are actually being diagnosed with Parkinson's every year.

Parkinson's research needs to be restructured to be all-inclusive. Women need to receive the necessary care and attention throughout the progression of their disease, even before the onset. There must be female clinician scientists, female Parkinson's patients, caregiver, allied healthcare worker, social worker, and physical therapist involved to develop research projects regarding physical therapy and home health assistance for women with Parkinson's. In a nutshell, the future of healthcare systems must represent everyone with Parkinson's.

When studies are improved about focusing on why women have a lower risk of Parkinson's, it can result in lowered risk or prevention for everyone. Finding out why and what can be done about failed care-giving for women with Parkinson's, can improve care-giving for everyone. Pondering upon the experiences of women can benefit every single person who is suffering from Parkinson's, and also the people who haven’t developed the disease yet.

However, when there is a professional movement disorders specialist in Bangalore like Dr. Shivam Mittal, there is nothing to worry about. Until the future comes up with better medical opportunities for women, you can rely upon Dr. Mittal to help treat your Parkinson's disease in the best possible way. Oral medications, injections, surgeries, and therapies – everything is prescribed only after learning deeply about a patient’s individual condition, body type, age, gender, lifestyle, and every other aspect, so that the best and most effective treatment can be prescribed.

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