Tejali Kunte, Head of Psychology, PDMDS (Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Society), talks about their unique initiative ‘PDMDS Encourages Talent’ which provided a platform for Persons with Parkinson’s to showcase their talents and also boost their confidence in a big way.
What was the main vision behind the initiative? Was it just motivational?
-Creative arts like dance, music, poetry, art and craft have tremendous therapeutic effects on the symptoms of Parkinson’s. At PDMDS, we…
Parkinson Disease
Dance and Movement Therapy can effectively complement traditional exercise to improve motor, psychological, cognitive and social abilities of people with Parkinson’s. Tejali Kunte, Clinical Psychologist, Dance and Movement therapist at Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Society (PDMDS) delves into its numerous advantages. Tejali, you are a dance and movement therapist and a clinical psychologist. Could you tell us a little bit about your work? Yes, I am a dance performer, clinical…
A quick snapshot on how music is helpful for persons with Parkinson's Disease. And of course, it is enjoyable. Haven’t we all enjoyed some form of music in our lives? We may all have different tastes in the types of music, but we do enjoy it. Music can be beneficial for us in the following ways : When we sing we use the same muscles that we use when we are speaking. Thus singing regularly helps us develop clarity in speech and a good pitch, thus making it easier for people to…
Does Yoga help people manage chronic conditions and the various symptoms? On International Yoga Day, we speak to a cross section of people who believe strongly that yoga has contributed greatly in their journey of recovery1. Mr Purushotaman - Parkinsons Mr. Purushotaman is 77-years-old and has had Parkinson's for 4 years. An unassuming gentleman, Mr. Purushotaman is extremely regular for all meetings and yoga sessions conducted by Parivarthan for Parkinson’s. Parivarthan is a…
Vonita Singh from Dubai is a trained Kathak dancer who, through her unique initiative Movement Mantra, addresses the basic concerns of Parkinson’s Disease like balance, flexibility and coordination with rhythm and music. Vonita also pulls in caregivers for her programmes, making it holistic, with end results being therapeutic. Taking on disorders like Parkinson’s Disease and Arthritis is a formidable task, especially when you are neither a therapist nor a medical person. What gave you the…
Most of us know that Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects our body movement. The disease progresses slowly and gradually the quality of life is affected. The rate of progression generally varies from person to person and is very individualized. As is the case with most diseases, medication is prescribed to control the progression of the disease. Nutrition is particularly important in Parkinson’s disease for many reasons: The disorder itself slows transition through…
What to do when the munchies strike and you feel like snacking? Hear it from Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator Ujjwala Baxi. One of the questions I ask my clients is: How often do you snack and what do you choose to snack on? A client, Mrs. Juneja (name changed) complained of weight gain of 5 kg in 2 months since starting her job. On interviewing her, it became clear that more than her main meals, her snacks, along with her sedentary desk job, were contributing to her weight problem.…
