Fighting Parkinson's? Stay fit and active

New Delhi: A 69-year-old Parkinsons disease patient Gyan Bhikshu never skips his daily yoga session. The retired manager has been battling the disease for the past 13 years. He recalls the time when the disease first hit him.

Gyan says: "Initially my left hand started shaking. Soon it reached my legs. Simple things like holding glass of water, speech also got affected."

With five years of service still left to complete, Gyan refused to give in to the disease. He prodded on and completed his full tenure. "There was a drop in my output but I did not admit defeat. I carried on and retired at the right age."

Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the central nervous system.

Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects the person's movement and speech. About 8-9% people in India suffer from Parkinson's disease. It mostly affects the elderly after the age of 45. The disease affects males more than females. Both the cause and cure for Parkinson's remain unknown.

But experts say the condition can be managed. "No cure, but can be treated and managed through medication."

Gyan is currently on medication. And he believes keeping himself physically fit is the best way of fighting the disease. "My main hobby is to remain active."

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