The difficulties, coping and the cure on the way: CEO of the Parkinson's Association in Israel in an interview
How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed, is it common only in adults and what about a cure?
Eyal Levy in a fascinating interview, including the serious complications, the treatments, the association's activities and the upcoming conference.
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In collaboration with the Parkinson's Association
07/04/2022
Thursday, 07 April 2022, 10:37 Updated: 11:57
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In the video: Interview with Eyal Levy, CEO of the Parkinson's Israel Association (Editing: Gilad Manheim)
Parkinson's disease is an incurable chronic disease that affects the brain cells that produce dopamine, which is used to transmit signals from the brain to the central nervous system.
Is it a disease that only exists in adults, how can it be treated and will the number of patients double in the future?
Eyal Levy
, CEO of the Parkinson's Association in Israel, explains in detail.
"We estimate that there are about 35,000 Parkinson's patients in Israel, of whom about 7,500 are under the age of 55," Levy said. We call them coping, because Parkinson's is a multi-systemic, chronic and progressive disease and can be lived with for 30-40 years.
The goal is to have a quality life alongside the difficulties. " To
donate to the organization, click here >>
How is the disease diagnosed?
"It is a symptom diagnosis. Usually tremor on one side and loss of sense of smell are some of the symptoms. Over time, movement difficulties also develop. After all, it is a neurological disease that is treated by specialists in movement disorders."
Is there an upward trend in those diagnosed with the disease?
"Studies and articles around the world talk about doubling the number of patients worldwide by 2040. The question is why. Medicine is advancing and there are treatments that prevent complications, since usually people do not die from Parkinson's but from the complications. We also see that a stressful lifestyle affects early onset. .
"We strive to provide the most up-to-date and new information, and hope to find a cure for the disease in the next decade" (Photo: ShutterStock)
How much is the routine of patients' lives disrupted?
"It's a big crisis. There is great difficulty in movement and there are hours when you are frozen. There are falls and limitations that develop. Unfortunately the disease is incurable, but there is drug treatment. Using all kinds of substances returns the dopamine to the body and has different effects."
Are there supportive therapies?
"It's a rehabilitative disease. Sporting activity is one of the significant things and it helps to deal with the disease."
How does the association help?
"We strive to provide the most up-to-date and new information, and hope that in the next decade they will find a cure for the disease. And Ichilov, for speech and swallowing rehabilitation.
We hold support workshops for the contestants and their families, so that they can come out of the closet and take care of themselves. "
Can you tell us about the upcoming conference?
"All Parkinson's contestants in Israel and their families are welcome to come free of charge, and there is also transportation from all parts of the country. The theme of the conference is technology in the Parkinson's service. And more. "
How did you come to head the association?
"My father has Parkinson's. He is 85 years old and still struggling with the disease. When I retired from the financial field after 30 years I decided to give of myself and volunteer for the community. I came to the association and was selected in a tender. I am proud to lead many dozens of volunteers.
To donate to the organization, click here >>
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