Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Awareness Sessions

Mwanza and Mbeya Cities, with a combined population of over six million, are home to above mentioned referral hospitals. Despite this, there is a notable absence of neurologists, resulting in a high number of patients, particularly those with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders are being referred to Dar es Salaam for specialized evaluation and treatment. This situation contributes to delays in diagnosis, increased healthcare costs and limited access to appropriate care for patients in these underserved areas.

Given the growing burden of neurological disorders and the lack of local expertise, there is a clear and urgent need to equip regional clinicians with the knowledge and skills to recognize and manage movementdisorders effectively. As a neurologist, I see it as my responsibility to support and strengthen the capacity of healthcare providers in these regions through education and training. This initiative will not only improve patient care but also help assess the need for more structured, formal workshops in the future.

This effort aligns with the mandate of the Movement Disorder Society (MDS) to promote education and enhance clinical skills in resource-limited settings and ensuring equitable access to neurological care across all regions.

Lecture Title(s)

1. Parkinson’s Disease: The Fastest Growing Brain Disease in the World (30 mins)
   1. To highlight the global epidemiological trends of Parkinson’s disease.
   2. To explore potential environmental, genetic, and demographic contributors to the rising prevalence.
   3. To discuss the public health implications and challenges associated with the increasing burden of Parkinson’s disease.
   4. To emphasize the need for early detection, research, and advocacy to combat the growing impact of the disease.
2. From Tremor to Diagnosis: Navigating Parkinson’s Disease (60 mins)
   1. To review the common and atypical clinical features of Parkinson’s disease, with a focus on early motor and non-motor symptoms.
   2. To outline the diagnostic criteria and tools used in confirming Parkinson’s disease.
   3. To differentiate Parkinson’s disease from other parkinsonian syndromes and mimics.
   4. To discuss the patient journey from symptom onset to diagnosis and the role of multidisciplinary care.
3. Decoding Pediatric Movement Disorders (60 mins)
   1. To provide an overview of the spectrum of pediatric movement disorders, including hyperkinetic and hypokinetic presentations.
   2. To highlight key differences in presentation and progression compared to adult movement disorders.
   3. To discuss the clinical approach to evaluating a child with abnormal movements, including red flags and diagnostic pathways.