The Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Society (PDMDS) is an all India registered charitable society founded in 2001 under the Society Registration Act of 1860. It was founded by renowned neurologist Padmashri Dr. Bhim Sen Singhal to provide ‘free-of-cost’ services and programs to People with Parkinson’s (PwP’s) and their caregivers and raise awareness about this neurological condition. PDMDS has developed and established an evidence-based “Multidisciplinary Model of Care” for PwP’s and their caregivers. This multidisciplinary model of care has been internationally recognized as an effective model of care for developing countries. An integral part of the model is the focus on self-management strategies for ‘Activities of Daily Living’ to improve independence and quality of life and reduce caregiver burden and stress. To extend our scope from rehabilitation to prevention, we have initiated a ‘Healthy Ageing’ program through which we reach out to senior citizens and those living at senior residential facilities. Through this program, we educate on neurological conditions prevalent in the elderly population, particularly Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Stroke and conduct programs that promote physical, cognitive and psychological well being. . Currently, PDMDS provides its services through a network of over 70 community-based Parkinsons support centres and online programs and 150 ‘Healthy Ageing’ centres across the country.
ACTIVITIES
- Group rehabilitative therapy: Physical sessions are conducted at the center using the ‘Community- based multidisciplinary model of care’, for People with Parkinson’s, as well as their Caregivers.
- Technology assisted rehabilitative therapy: For those who have difficulty in attending physical sessions due to advancing Parkinson’s, no caregiver to accompany them to the session etc the Multidisciplinary program is conducted using digital platforms.
- Caregivers Session: Special sessions for Caregivers are conducted focusing on caregiver stress and burden as well as strategies to assist them in caregiving.
- Patient welfare: For the lesser privileged PwPs, assistance will be provided through medications.
- Awareness initiatives: In order to extend its reach to a larger section of PwPs and their caregivers, as well as to educate the public about Parkinson’s and the organization, the PDMDS undertakes awareness activities by networking with varied stakeholders including medical professionals, clinics and hospitals, senior citizens clubs, religious and charitable organizations, other NGO’s, municipal corporations, corporate organizations, colleges etc.
- Healthy ageing program for senior citizens: In order to create awareness about neurological conditions of the elderly like Parkinson’s, stroke and dementia and promote healthy living among senior citizens, healthy ageing programs will be conducted at the senior residential homes and senior citizens groups. This will include physical and cognitive exercises to keep body and mind energized.

Appeal

Parkinson's is an incurable progressive condition requiring life long management. Quantifiable measures on the direct beneficiaries i.e People with Parkinson's Disease have shown an improvement in various aspects of the condition such as alleviation of motor and non motor aspects (rigidity, posture, balance, walking difficulties, tremors, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, caregiver burden), better management of activities of daily living, improvement in the quality of life and mood elevation.
PDMDS intends to
1. To increase the reach of PDMDS to all parts of our country where no services exist.
2. To Develop Multidisciplinary Centres for PD pan India with the following objectives :
- Rehabilitation & Support
- Provide support group programs and additionally specialized individual therapy for people with Parkinson's and their caregivers unable to attend a support group program.
- Programs for young onset PWPs who refrain from attending support group programs
- Programs for caregivers
3. Dissemination of Knowledge : Educate people with Parkinson's and their caregivers on various symptoms, implications and treatments available
4. Awareness : Increase awareness about Parkinson's Disease to the geriatric and general public
5. Develop Resource Material : Brochures, pamphlets, audio-visuals, booklets, newsletters to educate people with Parkinson's and their caregivers.
6. Training : Design and Conduct training programs for professionals and volunteers.
7. To provide healthy living among senior citizens, healthy ageing programs will be conducted at the senior residential homes and senior citizens groups