An interview with Dr. Jaslovleen Sidhu: Bringing Hope to Parkinson’s Care, India
Biography
I am Dr. Jaslovleen Kaur Sidhu, a neurologist who has dedicated her career to treating people with Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders. My journey began at Christian Medical College in Ludhiana, followed by advanced training in London and Singapore. Today, I serve as the Director of Neuro Clinic in Mohali, Punjab’s first clinic focused on Parkinson’s & movement disorders. Over the years, I have worked with thousands of patients and families, always keeping compassion and patient-centered care at the heart of my practice.
Can you tell me more about your advocacy?
My advocacy focuses on raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease, breaking the stigma around it, and ensuring patients and families know that treatment and support are available. I also emphasize education by helping caregivers, the public, and even other doctors understand the challenges people with Parkinson’s face and the resources that can help them live better.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion grew during my neurology training when I saw how complex Parkinson’s can be and how deeply it affects not just patients but their families. I felt a strong responsibility to do more than just treat the disease. I wanted to give people hope, share knowledge, and promote the idea that with the right support, life can still be meaningful and fulfilling.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your advocacy?
Patients often want to feel heard, understood, and supported. Their goals can vary. Some want relief from physical symptoms, while others want to maintain independence, confidence, and emotional well-being. Many simply want to know that they are not alone in this journey.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
Training depends on each patient’s needs. Some may benefit from short educational workshops, while others go through longer rehabilitation and therapy programs. We also offer counseling and caregiver training, which continues as long as families need it.
What effect can your advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Advocacy brings knowledge, confidence, and hope. Patients feel empowered when they learn about treatments, therapies, and lifestyle changes that can improve their lives. It also reassures them that their struggles are recognized and their voices matter.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?
I would love to see more community-based programs across India, where people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers can come together, support one another, and have access to specialized care no matter where they live.
What events do you participate in?
I regularly take part in awareness talks, medical conferences, workshops for patients and caregivers, and social media campaigns. Each event is another chance to spread knowledge and break down myths about Parkinson’s.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers often carry a heavy emotional and physical burden. Through advocacy, they receive guidance, reassurance, and tools to manage daily challenges. Most importantly, they realize they are not alone and that their role is recognized and valued.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
People can connect with me through my
Website: www.drjaslovleen.com.
Email: info@drjaslovleen.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjaslovleenkaur
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaslovleensidhu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaslovleen-kaur-094320114
Twitter: https://x.com/jaslovleen1
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Anyone can be an advocate by speaking up, sharing information, supporting patients, or simply listening with empathy. Even small steps like joining awareness events or spreading accurate knowledge can make a difference.
If you could add any questions to this interview that you may want others to learn about, what would the question(s) be?
I would add: “What misconceptions about Parkinson’s need to be challenged?” and
“How can families find strength together while facing this diagnosis?”
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
The key is empathy. If people feel truly understood, they will listen, learn, and take action. Advocacy isn’t just about spreading facts; it’s about connecting with human emotions and experiences.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
By creating stronger collaborations between doctors, patient groups, nonprofits, and communities. Personal stories are powerful tools that inspire others to contribute, volunteer, and care. Being transparent about where funds go builds trust.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living? Eg exercise and alternative remedies.
I strongly encourage regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness practices. For some patients, therapies like yoga and meditation help reduce stress and improve mobility.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Because Parkinson’s affects not only the patient but the entire family. With an aging population, the chances of knowing someone with Parkinson’s are high. Awareness builds compassion and pushes society closer to a cure.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
No, but my patients have become like family to me. Their stories and struggles motivate me every single day.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
It would be a song about resilience and hope, one that reminds us that no matter how hard life gets, there’s always strength to keep moving forward.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
“You are not defined by Parkinson’s. Your strength, courage, and spirit will always be bigger than the disease.”
________________________________________
TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George