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\u201cOnce, a patient of mine mentioned \u2018Sir James is daily with me\u2019, meaning that each day means a new game or fight with Parkinson\u2019s disease\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/i> \u2013 <\/b>Prof. Heinz Reichmann<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Parkinson’s disease is the most rapidly growing neurodegenerative condition around the world. It\u2019s estimated that between 1990 and 2016, the number of people diagnosed rose from 2.5 to 6.1 million people. In the UK, there is a 1 in 37 chance of being diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s during your lifetime, joining the ~145,000 people currently diagnosed with this debilitating neurological disease.<\/span><\/p>\n
The unfortunate truth is, as stark as those numbers are, not enough people understand what living with Parkinson\u2019s is really like.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
That\u2019s why <\/span>World Parkinson\u2019s Day<\/b> is held every year on the 11th of April. To raise awareness and kickstart conversations, highlighting the seriousness of the condition and its symptomatic spectrum. To remind the world that, right now, Parkinson\u2019s cannot be cured. That treatments are still relatively limited (<\/span>Read:<\/b> An update on Parkinson\u2019s disease therapy<\/span><\/a><\/span>), meaning a multidisciplinary, integrated health care approach is essential to care for those afflicted.<\/span><\/p>\n
touchNEUROLOGY Editorial Board Member and Professor and Chair at the Department of Neurology, University of Dresden, <\/span>Heinz Reichmann<\/b>, insists that a good treatment plan must include the patient, caregiver and an experienced physician:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cIn many instances, interdisciplinary approaches are mandatory to provide optimal treatment \u2026 physicians may have to work closely with physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and social workers to build a good multidisciplinary team.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n
The broad lack of public understanding of Parkinson\u2019s disease means support for those suffering from the condition is hampered. With over 40 known symptoms, including stiffness, pain, trouble sleeping and mental health problems, more awareness is needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
As Prof. Reichmann notes:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cPatients living with Parkinson\u2019s disease start to complain and ask for help to counteract tremor and bradykinesia. Later on, they may require help due to dysbalance, cognitive decline and disturbances of the autonomic nervous system.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n
Prof Reichmann also points out that this debilitation extends beyond those with the condition: \u201c<\/span>In addition, partners and caregivers become highly impaired by this disease.<\/span><\/i>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
So while broadening awareness is vital for encouraging local community support, fairer benefits and increased fundraising, the benefits are felt by caregivers and loved ones in their efforts to care for one of the estimated 9.4 million people living with Parkinson\u2019s Disease.<\/span>1<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
In a final word from Prof. Reichmann, \u201c<\/span>If this is accomplished, optimal patient care will be achieved and be kept under control.<\/span><\/i>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
touchNEUROLOGY is an enthusiastic supporter of World Parkinson\u2019s Day and its goal to help discover more, better treatments and eventually that holy grail: a cure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
You can find out more about the ongoing efforts to treat Parkinson\u2019s by <\/span>digesting our library of content<\/span><\/a><\/span>, including video interviews, conference highlights, journal articles and clinical trial updates.<\/span><\/p>\n