Understanding Parkinson’s Disease in Mexico
In 2016, there were approximately 69,000 people living with Parkinson’s disease in Mexico. With 1-2% of the population over 60 expected to develop the condition, the country could see between 700,000 and 1.4 million cases by 2050. In the 1990s, Mexico ranked 20th in Parkinson’s cases, but projections suggest it will be ninth by 2050.
The rising prevalence of Parkinson’s disease has turned it into a public health concern. Annual costs in the US are estimated at $35,000 per patient, covering medication, hospitalization, lost work, and caregiver expenses.
Meet Carlos Medrano: A Parkinson’s Patient’s Journey
Carlos Medrano, a Parkinson’s patient, shares his story. Despite being diagnosed in 2017, he noticed changes since 2013. His initial symptoms included asymmetrical arm movements during exercise, leading to a stress diagnosis for years. Eventually, Parkinson’s became more prominent after trying various treatments and therapies.
“For me, it was a new experience. Although many don’t understand the disease beyond involuntary movements, Parkinson’s involves significant disability. The diagnosis marked the beginning of a challenging journey, starting with denial and ending in acceptance. Now, it’s about understanding and managing my condition.”
Deep Brain Stimulation: A Viable Treatment Option
Carlos now uses Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a routine treatment that improves movement disorders when medical treatment is insufficient. DBS involves implanting electrodes in brain regions and connecting them to a subcutaneous pacemaker, modulating electrical patterns.
DBS has significantly improved Carlos’s quality of life, allowing him to regain senses, move freely, and perform daily activities independently. He emphasizes that DBS benefits not just him but his entire family.
Parkinson’s Disease: A Multisystem Condition
Dr. Mayela Rodríguez explains that Parkinson’s is no longer solely a neurological condition but a multisystem disorder causing substantial disability if left untreated. Treatment combines various approaches, including medication and surgical options like DBS.
Parkinson’s affects movement due to dopamine-producing cell damage in the nervous system. Symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slowness, gait alterations, and non-motor symptoms like cognitive changes, sleep issues, depression, constipation, facial expression loss, dizziness, and more.
Treatments range from levodopa, a core medication converting to dopamine in the brain, to surgical options like DBS. Although DBS may seem new, it has been studied for over 30 years. Its effectiveness lies in advancements in medical devices, making it a valuable option for Parkinson’s patients, especially since there’s no cure.
Access to Deep Brain Stimulation in Mexico
In Mexico, DBS is part of public health systems, performed at hospitals like INNN, Siglo XXI, 20 de Noviembre, and others, with no cost to eligible patients. Approximately 40 procedures are conducted annually, with expectations for growth.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement, caused by dopamine-producing cell damage in the nervous system.
- How prevalent is Parkinson’s in Mexico? In 2016, there were around 69,000 cases in Mexico. By 2050, the country could see between 700,000 and 1.4 million cases.
- What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? Motor symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slowness, and gait alterations. Non-motor symptoms encompass cognitive changes, sleep issues, depression, and more.
- What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)? DBS is a surgical treatment involving electrode implantation in brain regions and connection to a pacemaker, modulating electrical patterns to improve movement disorders.
- Is DBS widely available in Mexico? DBS is part of public health systems in Mexico, performed at various hospitals with no cost to eligible patients.
