Improving quality of life for Parkinson's patients.

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. It primarily affects older adults over the age of 50. Symptoms can be categorized into motor symptoms, which are the most frequent, including tremors (often in the hands, arms, legs, or head), slowed movement, and muscle rigidity. Psychological symptoms include depression, anxiety, poor memory and concentration, sleep disturbances, constipation, excessive sweating, and other symptoms such as a softened voice, smaller handwriting, and a blank facial expression.

The World Health Organization predicts that by 2040, the number of Parkinson's patients in Southeast Asia will double. In Thailand, statistics from 2008-2011 show more than 60,000 Parkinson's patients, or about 1 in 3 elderly individuals (242.57 per 100,000 population), with a rising trend due to the aging population.

Currently, Parkinson's disease is diagnosed through medical history and physical examination. With repeated examinations, accuracy can reach about 80%. However, in early-stage Parkinson's, when symptoms are minimal, diagnostic accuracy drops to 40-50%, making early diagnosis difficult and leading to many undiagnosed cases. Thailand also faces a shortage of neurologists, particularly in some areas, limiting access to diagnosis and treatment. By the time many patients are diagnosed, their symptoms are advanced, leading to higher treatment costs, disability, and reduced quality of life.

The Excellence for Parkinson's Disease & Related Disorders, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, established in 2006, provides comprehensive care including Parkinsons’ Disease Clinic, Advanced Parkinson's Clinic, Hyperkinetic Clinic, Spasticity Reduction Injection Clinic, Parkinson’s Clinic Walks Well, Neuropsychiatric Clinic, Electrodiagnosis Clinic, and Parkinson’s Home Adaptation Clinic.  It is the only institution in Thailand offering a fellowship program in Parkinson's disease and movement disorders, and a leader in research to develop new diagnostic and treatment innovations.

In 2025, the center, in collaboration with Thai Red Cross Chapters Administration, launched "Check PD" application, using digital technology and AI-driven big data analysis for Parkinson's screening. Developed for those at risk, particularly individuals aged 40 and above, it allows self-assessment with 90% accuracy.

For many years, the Excellence for Parkinson's Disease & Related Disorders has focused on patient-centered care, providing comprehensive and modern treatment, increasing public awareness, ensuring access to care, and promoting social understanding of Parkinson's, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients to participate fully in society.

Benefits for Patients

1.       Parkinson's disease patients gain access to modern and comprehensive treatments, leading to an improved quality of life and the ability to participate fully in social activities.

The general public experiences increased knowledge and understanding of Parkinson's disease and related disorders