On the occasion of World Parkinson’s Day that is celebrated on the 11th of April every year, health care professionals from the Clinic for Neurology, University Clinical Center Tuzla hosted a press conference today.
In speaking to the press Prof. Dr. Dževdet Smajlović, head of the Clinic for Neurology said that there are more than five million people worldwide who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, or a progressive disorder of the central nervous system. He also said that this condition is indeed more common among elderly individuals, but also occurs in younger individuals, and one in 20 will be less than 40 years old. He also added that there is no specific laboratory, neurodiagnostic or radiology test for Parkinson’s disease, but the Clinic for Neurology offers Doppler of the brain parenchyma in movement disorders that could be helpful in diagnosing, early detection and differentiation in moving disorders. Prof. Smajlović mentioned a drug shortage on the Essential list, as not one dopaminergic is not included in it.
Dr. Amra Iljazović talked with the media about the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as tremor, slow motion, muscle stiffness and postural instability.
The focus of a press conference were early signs of the disease, as non- motor symptoms may precede motor symptoms, and may be useful at the time of diagnosing. Prof. Dr. Omer Ć. Ibrahimagić said that a whole series of non- motor symptoms may be present in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Patients often struggle with depression, anxiety, fear, fatigue and loss of energy. He also mentioned that patients develop other health problems related to PD such as loss of smell, constipation, incontinence and sleep disorders.
Our doctors concluded the press conference by highlighting that early diagnosing and therapy interventions during early onset of the disease is of great importance for the potential to slow disease progression and improve the quality of life of patients.
