IAN - Indian Academy of Neurology

World Brain Day Celebration 2020

Report by Dr. Chandrashekhar Meshram

The theme “Move together to end Parkinson’s Disease” of this year’s World Brain Day is very relevant for patients of Parkinson’s disease, their caregivers, family physicians and general public and therefore there was lot of excitement about the event. World Brain Day was cerebrated throughout India, on 22 nd July. Due to corona pandemic, the auditorium or field programs could not be organized, so the campaign was mainly through print and electronic media with virtual meetings in different cities of the country.

Mumbai

World Brain Day awareness program was organized as webinar jointly by Indian Academy of Neurology(IAN), Epilepsy Foundation and Movement Disorder Society of India (MDSI). Secretary of IAN, Dr Gagandeep Singh made introductory remarks and introduced the faculty for the event. Dr. Tissa Wijeratne, chair of World brain Day, inaugurated the event by lighting a lamp. He also mentioned that though Parkinson’s disease was first described in modern literature by James Parkinson, ancient Indian physician Sushruta had mentioned it as Kampa Vata few thousands years back and suggested treatment for it. He said there is lack of awareness about this disease even in developed countries so this theme was chosen. Dr Pramod Kumar Pal, President of IAN and movement disorder specialist mentioned that there are more young Parkinson’s patients in India and there is a need of epidemiological study of Parkinson’s disease. Dr Vinay Goyal, President of MDSI, said that the major problem is delay in diagnosis due to lack of awareness about this disease. He described main clinical features of parkinson’s disease. Dr U Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary of MDSI, presented interesting statistics about Parkinson’s Disease. Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, convener of National Brain week and World Brain Day stressed the importance and ways of celebrating WBD. Dr Nirmal Surya Chairman of Epilepsy Foundation and treasurer of IAN, who took initiative to organize this event made the closing remarks and answered the questions. Dr Nirmal Surya also posted a video on WFN website.

Nagpur

Dr.Chandrashekhar Meshram issued the press release. Information about Parkinson’s disease appeared in 9 newspapers. The awareness program was organized by Indian Academy of Neurology, Nagpur Neuro Society, Nagpur Psychiatry Society, Orange city Cultural Foundation and Saptak as webinar on 22 nd July. The event was inaugurated by Dr Lokendra Singh, President of Neurological society of India. Dr Chandrashekahr Meshram explained clinical manifestations of Parkinson’s disease through videos. Neurologist Dr. Dhruv Batra explained about available treatment options for better day to day activities. Psychiatrist Dr Sudhir Bhave highlighted various psychological problems in patients with Parkinson’s disease and how to cope up with them. Mrs Jayashree Pendharkar, explained the role of proper diet in these patients. Dr Sheetal Mundhada showed various exercises for these patients through video demonstration and emphasized the role of yoga, physiotherapy and various exercises for better life. Dr Nitin Chandak answered questions from the audience. Dr Kajal Mitra, Dean of NKP Salve institute of Medical sciences announced that the chairman of the Institute Mr Ranjeet Deshmukh will sponsor one deserving poor patient every year for DBS. About 500 people attended the webinar.

Trichy

Neurologist Dr M A Aleem’s interview on Parkinson’s disease was published in the newspaper.

Delhi

The World Brain Day event was organised by the Department of Neurology, Lady Hardinge Medical College and SK Hospital. Prof. Rajinder K Dhamija Head of Neurology Department published an OPED piece entitled “Mind the Brain It is high time to act now” in the editorial page of Daily World . He was also interviewed about World Brain Day and Parkinson’s Disease by Poineer. Dr Rajinder K Dhamija also appeared on national television DD News on World Brain Day promotional programme. He also appeared on All India Radio ‘s special programme Surkhiyon Mein -- Discussion on Neurological Problems and Brain Health on the occasion of World Brain Day.

At Agrim institute of Neurosciences, Dr Manish Mahajan gave a talk on Parkinson’s disease and it management.

Chennai

Dr E S Krishnamoorthy was interviewed by Sunalini Mathew for the paper The Hindu.

Nellore

On the occasion of ' World Brain Day ' on July 22nd 2020 Dr. Bindu Menon, HOD Neurology Department, Apollo hospitals, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh delivered a lecture on ' Know about Parkinson’s disease' followed by a question and answer session. Parkinson Disease Movement Disorder Society (PDMDS) conducted this event. Parkinson disease movement disorder society has 60+ centers in India with 40,000+ beneficiaries.

Dr. Bindu Menon thanked Prof B S Singhal, the founder and honorary secretary of PDMDS and their team on behalf of PDMDS support group, Nellore branch. A flyer was circulated about the virtual meet with an option for questions one week prior to the meeting. Because of overwhelming response, meeting was held on two virtual platforms simultaneously.

Meeting was held for one and half hours in Telugu language to both Andhra and Telangana state participants.

Dr. Bindu Menon spoke about symptoms and signs, diagnostic approaches, and different treatment modalities of Parkinson’s. Dr. There was an excellent interaction. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. M. Barretto.