Dubai: A clinic dedicated for patients with Parkinson’s has been launched by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) at Rashid Hospital, it was announced on Monday.

The clinic, which was launched on the occasion of World Parkinson’s Day, aims to provide comprehensive care for patients with Parkinson’s — the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and a disease affecting 10 million people worldwide, according to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.

Dr Abu Baker Al Madani, head of the neurology department at Rashid Hospital, said presently there are 300 patients at the hospital with the disease who will benefit from the introduction of the clinic.

“At the moment the clinic will be held twice a month and, if we see an increase in demand, we will extend it to more days,” he said, adding that the clinic will provide specialised care for patients.

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and leads to chronic and progressive movement disorder. Parkinson’s could later lead to mental illness, problems in thinking, dementia and depression. It affects middle-aged and elderly people, mostly above the age of 50.

Al Madani said that the disease mainly affects the elderly and since the symptoms develop slowly, often the disease is diagnosed in the later stages.

He said in the beginning, patients experience tremors that are barely noticeable. As the disease progresses, patients face slowing of movement, walking difficulty, imbalance, expressionless face, softness in speech, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance.

“Our message to the community is that such symptoms should not be taken lightly and an immediate neurological opinion is necessary to aid in early detection and treatment.”

There is no cure for the disease but comprehensive treatment greatly reduces the symptoms and prolongs the progression of the disease.

To mark the occasion of World Parkinson’s Day 2016, the department will hold an awareness programme at the reception of Rashid Hospital on April 13 and doctors will be present to address queries.