Number of Parkinson's Patients Could Reach 30 Million by 2030

Turkchem 09 Apr 2019 65 4 dk okuma

TURKCHEM

Turkey's Parkinson's Disease Association Marks World Parkinson's Day with "Time to Move Into Action" Campaign Turkey's Parkinson's Disease Association, with the unconditional support of Abdi İbrahim, organised information and solidarity meetings across 14 centres, with Istanbul as the main hub, alongside Ankara, Antalya, Bursa, Düzce, İzmir, Kayseri, Malatya, Mersin, Erzurum, Sakarya, Sivas and Samsun. Specialists met with patients and, at events attended by approximately 2,000 patients and their relatives, provided information on physical exercise that contributes positively to symptoms experienced by patients, proper nutrition, speech and swallowing therapy, and correct and timely medication use. Prof. Dr. Raif Çakmur, Chairman of the Board of Turkey's Parkinson's Disease Association, spoke at the event held in Istanbul. Stating that there are approximately 150,000 Parkinson's patients in Turkey and that they forecast an increase in Parkinson's disease in the coming years due to the rising elderly population, Çakmur stressed that regular physical exercise by patients, proper nutrition, and taking medication on time and in correct doses could make fighting Parkinson's disease easier. Building on the "Time to Move Into Action" slogan, the meeting held in Istanbul on 9 April was attended by Prof. Dr. Raif Çakmur, Chairman of the Board of Turkey's Parkinson's Disease Association, Prof. Dr. Murat Emre, Prof. Dr. Sibel Ertan, Prof. Dr. Haşmet Hanağası, Prof. Dr. Dilek İnce Günal, Prof. Dr. Yaşar Kütükçü, Associate Prof. Dr. Gülsen

Babacan Physiotherapist, Associate Prof. Dr. Aslı Güçlü Gündüz, Swallowing Therapist, Associate Prof. Dr. Numan Demir, Speech Therapist, Instructor Dr. Fatma Esen Aydınlı.

Information related to Parkinson's disease was shared at the meeting and questions from patients and their relatives were answered. At the event, patients and their relatives received information on movement, balance, speech and swallowing. Prof. Dr. Raif Çakmur, Chairman of the Board of Turkey's Parkinson's Disease Association, described Parkinson's disease as a slowly progressive brain disease characterised by loss of brain cells, noting that Parkinson's is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's. Çakmur stated that the earliest signs of Parkinson's disease appear in the enteric nervous system, lower brainstem and olfactory pathways. Çakmur said that loss or diminishment of smell, sleep disorders and constipation are observed, and motor symptoms such as tremor and slowness of movement appear in later stages. Noting that the disease is typically diagnosed through motor symptoms, Çakmur stressed that Parkinson's disease is typically a disease of middle and advanced age, beginning on average around age 60. While emphasising that the disease is also seen at younger ages, he stated that its frequency increases with age and that its occurrence is more common in men. Raif Çakmur said that in the world's most populous countries, Parkinson's patients are estimated to reach 30 million by 2030. Stating that if one lives beyond 100 years of age, one will likely face this disease, Çakmur reported that they estimate there are approximately 150,000 Parkinson's patients in Turkey today. Çakmur said: "Turkey is counted among rapidly ageing societies. Due to the growing elderly population, we foresee an explosion in Parkinson's disease in our country in the coming years. In other words, in the coming years we will have to deal with Parkinson's disease much more. The public needs to be made aware of this disease."

Raif Çakmur said that Parkinson's disease is currently treated primarily with oral medications, and that in a suitable group of patients, drugs applied through different methods and surgical treatments are also possible.

Çakmur stated: "Although there is as yet no definitive cure that completely heals the disease, the medications used significantly improve symptoms and enable many patients to lead active and productive lives. Thus, most Parkinson's patients can live for many years with regular treatment." Noting that movement and exercise in Parkinson's is one of the essentials of treatment, Çakmur said that the necessity of movement and exercise applies from the time the patient is diagnosed. Çakmur continued: "Regular exercise, brisk walking, swimming, aerobic sports are generally among the most preferred. However, as the disease progresses and especially with balance disorders, freezing of gait, forward bending of the trunk, and falls—symptoms that respond only partially or insufficiently to medication—more complex movements require more programmed and more professional exercise support. The best way to maintain balance, gait and posture is exercise and movement. Studies on the effect of dance on the disease have shown that patients who participated in dance courses made progress in their balance and mobility compared to those who did not participate. Music and dance help the brain in reducing balance and movement problems." Prof. Dr. Raif Çakmur, noting that raising the quality of life for patients cannot be achieved through medication and surgical treatment alone, stressed the importance of the contribution of patients and their relatives to the process. Çakmur said they want patients and their relatives to be part of the solution in areas such as movement, balance, speech and swallowing therapy, nutrition and solidarity, and that the challenges of Parkinson's can only be overcome together, saying "On Parkinson's Day, it is time to move into action." A poem titled "If You Are Strong, You Cannot Be Defeated" written for Parkinson's disease by neurologist Prof. Dr. Gülsen Babacan Yıldız from Bezm-i Alem University Hospital was composed by accomplished musician Meltem Taşkıran. Eser Taşkıran arranged the song. Composed to raise awareness for Parkinson's disease, this song was recorded in the studio by Meltem Taşkıran, a choir of Parkinson's patients, Ladies & Gentlemen Vocal Group and performers from atölye'M. Director Melih Vatansever shot the music video for the song. Abdi İbrahim provided unconditional support for this meaningful project aimed at drawing public attention to Parkinson's disease and standing beside patients on this difficult journey.