"Connecting to Technology": Ahead of the Israeli Parkinson's Conference
Lectures for the general public, discussion groups, workshops and even an exhibition.
On April 11, the Parkinson's Association in Israel will hold the Israeli Parkinson's Conference, which will be held this year in a frontal and free format, together with Tel Aviv University
In collaboration with the Parkinson's Association
10/04/2022
Sunday, 10 April 2022, 12:37
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Lectures for the general public, discussion groups, enrichment workshops and an exhibition.
The second Israeli Parkinson's conference will be held on April 11 (Photo: ShutterStock)
In honor of International Parkinson's Awareness Month, the second Israeli Parkinson's Conference will be held this year under the title "Connecting to Technology."
The conference is designed for patients and their families and participation in it is free of charge, and advanced technological options will be presented to those dealing with Parkinson's in the fields of medicine, rehabilitation, community and disease management.
In addition, there will be lectures for the general public, discussion groups, enrichment workshops and an exhibition in which works by people dealing with the disease will be displayed.
Just before the conference kicks off, we caught up with
Prof. Sharon Hussein
- Director of the Institute of Movement Disorders at Sheba Hospital, Head of the Department of Neurology at Tel Aviv University, a board member of the Offense Foundation (a fund on behalf of Tel Aviv University) and a member of the Parkinson's Medical Committee Adviser to the Parkinson's Association in Israel.
"Fortunately for patients, the disease can now be treated excellently with the help of medication" (Photo: ShutterStock)
What does it mean to be Parkinson's patient?
"These are adults who have been perfectly healthy up to a point where symptoms such as fatigue, depression, decreased sense of smell, constipation, etc. have started. In addition, there are difficulties of internal systems such as the digestive system and some patients even suffer from pain.
This is a common disease and the average age at which it begins is 60, but there are quite a few young people in their 40s who are dealing with the disease and of course the elderly. More among men. "
What causes it?
"In most cases we do not know why one person or another has Parkinson's. Some of the contestants have other relatives who have had it, but that is only in some cases. We believe there are genetic factors involved, and in a small number of cases we know to identify a genetic mutation that contributes to the disease. Also environmental factors that influence, but as stated in the vast majority of contestants, the hidden prevails over the visible in this case. "
Can exercise help cope with the disease?
"There are studies that show that people who exercised in their youth suffer less from Parkinson's, compared to those who did not exercise. We see that exercise affects the manifestations of the disease and improves the ability to cope with it as well as patients' quality of life amazingly. I talk about varied exercise - at least 5 hours a week, which includes a wide range of types in the form of aerobic activity (running, walking and swimming), flexibility, strength, balance practice, tai chi, Pilates,
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Do you think the prediction that speaks according to 2 patients in the world within about a decade is correct?
"Due to the aging of the population in the Western world in recent years, the average age at which Parkinson's disease begins has risen - so it can be said yes. Parkinson's symptoms are part of aging and at very late ages are very common. The big challenge is when the disease breaks out at a young age. .
How is it treated?
"Fortunately for patients, the disease can be treated excellently by taking drugs that inject dopamine into the body. We are constantly trying to make drug treatment accessible, although there are side effects that we also know how to deal with."
Some contestants remain in the closet.
why?
"For the reason that the disease has visibility. A person with Parkinson's undergoes a change - his posture changes, his voice, speech, posture, etc. These are things that are tagged. "Do not be ashamed and hide and deal openly. I always tell every patient 'enough that you got the disease, you are not guilty and should not suffer shame, and should understand that it can happen to anyone'".
"I believe we will reach real achievements in the coming years" (Photo: PR)
What can you tell us about next week's Parkinson's conference?
"This is only the second time it has been held and there is great excitement after a difficult period. The corona is one of the most difficult times I have experienced with Parkinson's patients. It has taken away patients' ability to cope - they have been restricted in physical activity, meetings Last
year, due to the situation, we held a virtual conference that was colorful, beautiful and fascinating. This year we are holding a frontal conference in a huge hall at Tel Aviv University.
All activities are dedicated to people dealing with the disease, including family members and caregivers.
All of the medical professionals and health professionals involved in Parkinson’s are mobilizing for them.
It is a diverse day with activities and lectures, a day of pride for people with Parkinson’s who can be exposed together to a wealth of information and take an active part in discussion groups.
There is a lot of joy and a positive look at the conference. "
Can you tell us about the association's activities?
"The Parkinson's Association in Israel has existed for many years and does important and blessed work. The association promotes the interests of patients before the Ministry of Health and the HMOs, makes treatments accessible to patients in the periphery, mediates between doctors and patients, and nurtures health professionals." This is a collection of great people, with an outstanding CEO who has made a real revolution. "
What are the technological developments in the field?
" The technology that is constantly around us has also penetrated the world of medicine.
Today, with the help of technology, healthcare professionals are treating people remotely, which is critical in Parkinson's.
With the help of technological means it is possible to measure the symptoms of the disease like the sound of movement and tremor and thus achieve more accurate results.
In addition, there are innovative aids and medical treatments, such as pacemakers and digital infusion pumps that help reduce tremor and improve movement. "
What areas does Parkinson's research focus on these days?
"There has been tremendous development in recent years. We have been able to understand more about the mechanisms of the disease, what causes the symptoms, and what processes at the cellular level are responsible for. "Antibodies that can be injected into a patient to help him cope, as well as molecular technologies that can affect the brain. I believe we will achieve real results in the coming years."
Does the disease eventually kill?
"The disease does not kill directly. Elderly people with Parkinson's die mainly from infectious diseases and falls as a result of having difficulty moving."
Are we on the road to cure the disease?
"We seem to be closer there than ever. There have been some disappointments along the way but there are a lot of people involved in the field so I believe we are on the way."
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