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Earlier diagnosis and advanced treatments are helping Parkinson’s patients preserve independence and quality of life
Parkinson’s disease has long been associated with tremors, but care in Malaysia has increasingly focused on helping patients maintain independence and quality of life through earlier intervention and advanced treatment options.
As the second most common neurodegenerative condition globally, Parkinson’s cases in Malaysia are projected to rise significantly, with estimates suggesting a five-fold increase by 2040 from around 20,000 cases recorded in 2018. This growing burden has driven stronger emphasis on awareness, early diagnosis and long-term care strategies.
Earlier diagnosis, better outcomes
Doctors note Parkinson’s extends beyond visible tremors, affecting movement, coordination and even mental wellbeing. Symptoms such as stiffness, slowness and balance issues often develop gradually, making early recognition critical.
Delayed diagnosis remains a challenge, often due to stigma or lack of awareness and that early medical attention allows doctors to introduce treatment plans sooner and help patients manage symptoms more effectively over time.
Beyond physical symptoms, patients also experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating and anxiety, which has become part of a more holistic approach to care.
When medication no longer works alone
Medication remains the first line of treatment, particularly in the early stages. However, many patients experience fluctuating responses over time, where the effectiveness of medication becomes less consistent.
For suitable patients, advanced therapies such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are introduced. This treatment delivers controlled electrical stimulation to targeted areas of the brain responsible for movement, helping to reduce symptoms such as tremors, rigidity and slowness.
Unlike older surgical methods, DBS does not destroy brain tissue, but instead offers an adjustable and reversible approach that allows doctors to tailor treatment as the condition progresses.
Doctors also note DBS has significantly improved daily life for selected patients. One case involved a patient in his late 50s who had lived with Parkinson’s for over a decade and struggled with basic tasks such as eating and dressing.
After undergoing the procedure, the patient regained the ability to perform daily activities independently, returned to hobbies such as gardening and experienced improved sleep, reflecting findings that DBS could improve quality of life by up to 70% in suitable candidates. While not a cure, the treatment plays a key role in restoring function and confidence.
Safer, more precise treatment
Concerns around brain surgery have remained common, but modern techniques have made procedures such as DBS more precise and minimally invasive. Neurosurgeons use advanced imaging tools such as MRI and CT scans to accurately target specific brain regions.
The procedure typically involves a small incision and precise electrode placement, which reduces risks and improves outcomes, while the ability to adjust or reverse the treatment further enhances its safety profile.
Parkinson’s management is also shifting towards a multidisciplinary approach, involving neurologists, neurosurgeons and other healthcare professionals working together.
Patients undergo thorough assessments to determine suitability for advanced treatments, taking into account factors such as age, cognitive health and response to medication. Care does not end after treatment, as long-term follow-up allows doctors to adjust therapies as symptoms evolve, ensuring continued effectiveness.
Improving life with Parkinson’s
While Parkinson’s remains a lifelong condition, advances in treatment have reshaped the patient journey. With better awareness, earlier diagnosis and evolving therapies such as DBS, patients are no longer defined by gradual decline alone.
Instead, modern care focuses on preserving independence, improving daily function and supporting patients in living fuller, more active lives.
This article is contributed by Subang Jaya Medical Centre Consultant neurologist and physician Dr Phua Chun Seng and consultant neurosurgeon Dr Kalai Arasu Muthusamy @ Dr Kamal Azrin Abdullah (Dr Kalai).
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