.She was selling greeting cards with her paintings to raise money for Parkinson’s Disease Society of Karnataka while sharing the ups and downs with her struggle with the disease to a PD support group.

Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the motor skills and speech. A group of about 70 people with PD and their caretakers gathered at MES School premises on Sunday morning for the second meeting of the Parkinson’s Disease Society of Karnataka’s (PDSK) support group.
The Director of this support group, Radha Ramaswamy said for PD patients, going to a neurologist alone would not suffice and the support group helps them cope with their condition everyday and lead a better life. Radha started this initiative after her husband who was diagnosed with PD passed away.

The session had three components with yoga, physiotherapy and a counselling session. Revathi Krishna, a psychologist with Nightingales Dementia Care gave an awareness talk on how PD could lead to dementia, how to recognise dementia and the services available.

Many of the patients, found the session useful as it addressed the emotional and physical aspects of those with PD and addressed the caretakers as well.

Aparna, whose father Ramani was recently diagnosed with PD, said the condition is such that one can only slow it down, and these exercises help as they don't have side effects. Those with PD find the support group comforting as they are in an environment where others have a similar condition and they are not alone, she said. There is focus on the caretakers too which is very important, she added.

To participate in the meeting on every third Sunday of the month call Radha 9980044165 for details.