Think of the brain as a city where garbage must be removed regularly to keep the streets clean and functioning. In Parkinson's disease, something similar happens to proteins in the brain. Normally, unwanted or damaged proteins are disposed of by the "cellular garbage disposal," but in Parkinson's, these proteins build up and cause problems.
It's only been 3 weeks since I underwent deep brain stimulation. When I decided on this complex but established procedure at the Rechts der Isar Clinic in autumn 2023, I had a precise idea of what would happen in my head, but whether it would work was the father of the thought.
In recent years, THS technology has evolved. Modern procedures now use more advanced imaging techniques and more detailed brain maps to make electrode placement more precise and safer. The electrodes themselves have also evolved. The latest models allow even more precise control of electrical impulses, improving the effectiveness of treatment and reducing side effects.
A thought-provoking video about living with early-onset Parkinson's disease. I published the video for the first time about a year ago. Thousands of new readers have now been added, from whom I don't want to withhold this small work of art.
Some of you will recognize your own hand as a metaphor for your illness.
In addition to being a fast and exciting sport, table tennis can also provide therapeutic benefits, particularly for people with Parkinson's disease. Bayerischer Rundfunk highlighted exactly this connection in an interesting report on Bayern 3 and presented both expert opinions from medical professionals and stories from those affected. One of the guests of this article is Jürgen Zender, the editor of the Parkinson Journal.
The therapy of movement disorders in the advanced stage of idiopathic parkinsonian syndrome represents a challenge, as optimizing dopamine treatment does not always bring the expected results. It is therefore crucial to consider more intensive treatment approaches in a timely manner. As soon as signs of an advanced stage become apparent, physicians should immediately provide information about suitable therapy options and familiarize patients with possible treatment options.
In the circle of the authors and with many acquaintances and friends, whether affected by Parkinson's or not, I discussed for a long time whether we should integrate ChatGPT as a bot into our Parkinsonal Journal.
Last but not least, we asked the "Parkinson-Bot" itself about the usefulness and it is amazing how much it reflects the different opinions from the group mentioned above.
In the following you can read my discussion with the artificial intelligence and form your own opinion. The chat is reproduced here one to one, without any editing
It is important for patients to understand their illness because an informed and enlightened patient is better able to make informed decisions about their health. Here are some reasons why this is so important:
The activating therapies traditionally include physiotherapy, ergotherapy and
speech therapy. But there are also some additional activities that activate and the classic
Support therapies - such as dancing. Personal activity and movement in everyday life
not to underestimate.
Aside from the fun factor and the social similarities, dancing generally becomes very
covered many basic functional exercises that are good for everyone. In addition, they have an effect
reducing some manifestations of the diseases: (Hackney & Earhart, 2009, 2010)
Sometimes it is difficult or embarrassing to talk about the symptoms. Patients may be reluctant to share their experiences with their family doctor, or may not even be aware that this is a component of Parkinson's disease. These short films are designed to provide clues to patients by addressing uncomfortable issues and encouraging them to make a connection with their illness and seek medical help.
Focused ultrasound, also known as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), is a noninvasive neurosurgical technique used to treat Parkinson's disease. This method uses focused sound waves to selectively stimulate or destroy areas of the brain responsible for Parkinson's symptoms. Focused ultrasound is typically used to treat tremor, which is a common symptom in people with Parkinson's disease.