Search for Parkinson, see a doctor

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is the second most common after Alzheimer's disease. It is most commonly found in older adults over the age of 50. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can be divided into motor symptoms, which are the most common, non-motor symptoms and other symptoms. Motor symptoms include tremors, commonly occurring in the hands, arms, legs, or head, slowed movement (bradykinesia), and muscle stiffness or rigidity. Non-motor symptoms include depression, anxiety, poor memory and concentration, sleep problems, constipation, and profuse sweating. Other symptoms may include a slurred voice, micrographia (smaller handwriting), and masked facies (expressionless face).

The World Health Organization predicts that by 2040, the number of Parkinson's disease patients in Southeast Asia will double. According to statistics from 2008-2011, Thailand had more than 60,000 Parkinson's patients, or about 1 in 3 of all elderly people (242.57 people per 100,000 population). This number is expected to increase as the country enters an aging society.

Parkinson's disease is currently diagnosed through a combination of medical history and physical examination. If the patient is followed up for multiple times, the accuracy can be as high as 80%. However, the accuracy of diagnosis decreases to around 40-50% in the early stages of Parkinson's disease when symptoms are not yet obvious. This makes it difficult to diagnose Parkinson's disease in the early stages, and there are many underdiagnosed patients. In addition, Thailand has a limited number of Neurologists, and some areas lack this specialty. This makes it more difficult for patients in some areas to access diagnosis and treatment. By the time patients are diagnosed, their symptoms are usually quite severe or they are already in the middle stage of the disease, which leads to high treatment costs, disability, and a decrease in quality of life.

In 2022, Thai Red Cross Chapters Administration Office supported the Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, to develop a large database system to diagnose Parkinson's syndrome quickly, accurately, and accessibly. The system can search for early-stage patients, at-risk groups, and symptomatic groups in the areas of all 76 provincial Red Cross chapters and 288 district Red Cross chapters nationwide. The screening is based on the following data:

1. Innovative Mobile Parkinson's Disease Risk Screening Questionnaire: This questionnaire uses digital technology and sensors to screen patients for Parkinson's disease.

2. Voice Screening: This test can detect speech abnormalities associated with Parkinson's disease. It involves recording the patient's voice, collecting voice data, and analyzing it using laboratory equipment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

3. Handwriting Test: This test asks the patient to write a sentence and draw a spiral.

4. Alternate Tap Test: This test assesses the patient's finger dexterity and coordination.

5. Tremor Analysis: This test measures the patient's tremors.

6. Gait Analysis: This test measures the patient's gait (walking pattern).

Patients who are screened and found to be at risk for Parkinson's disease will receive appropriate treatment according to the standard of care for Parkinson's disease. This includes treatment with medication, dietary and nutritional counseling, exercise, and sleep management.

Objectives

1. To glorify on the Auspicious Occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the Executive Vice President of the Thai Red Cross Society, 68^th Birthday Anniversary 2th April 2024.
2. To screen and identify people in areas at risk for Parkinson's disease by Thai Red Cross Chapters Administration Office, the Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease, the Provincial Red Cross Chapters, and the District Red Cross Chapters nationwide.
3. To ensure that people who are screened and found to be at risk for Parkinson's disease receive a diagnosis and medical care.
4.  Patients who are screened and found to be at risk for Parkinson's disease are referred to the public health system for continuous treatment and to improve the quality of life of patients and the elderly.

Benefits for the public:

1.  People at risk nationwide will be screened for Parkinson's disease in the early stages and referred to the public health system for quick, continuous treatment that will improve their quality of life.
2.  People will have knowledge about prevention, self-care, and living with Parkinson's disease.