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About 100 people suffer from Parkinson’s disease. Poles. Men get sick more often, and symptoms appear a little earlier. How is parkinson’s treated? What therapies are used? The questions are answered by prof. Wojciech Kozubski, MD, PhD, head of the Department and Clinic of Neurology at the Medical University of Poznań.
- Treatment of Parkinson’s disease in men and women is based on the same methods
- – There is great progress when it comes to unconventional therapy, i.e. non-oral drug therapy. It is about deep brain stimulation (DBS), subcutaneous infusion of apomorphine and intragastric infusion of Duodopa – explains the expert
- Read the first part of the conversation HERE
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
Monika Zieleniewska, MedTvoiLokony: Is the treatment of Parkinson’s disease the same in both sexes?
Prof. dr hab. Wojciech Kozubski: Yes, there are no differences here, unfortunately. I would add that hormone replacement therapy in women may to some extent alter and alleviate the onset of Parkinson’s disease, but it nevertheless carries the risk of a stroke. Therefore, it is not absolutely recommended.
Heard that hormone replacement therapy generally poses a stroke risk?
Unfortunately, this is also good to remember.
Although this particular issue is not publicized.
This is due to the profits of pharmaceutical companies, which simply increase the advertising of hormone replacement therapy.
Drug treatment is identical for both sexes. And physiotherapy?
There are no differences here either. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy are additional measures in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. We are focused on other therapy modules: either pharmacological or interventional or neurosurgical. But in this case there are also no differences.
I have read that women are less likely to opt for neurosurgery.
And this is the problem of their choice, but ladies are also less likely to be subjected to such interventions. There is simply no such need, gentlemen dominate here.
The number of patients is quite large. Is there any research on Parkinson’s disease in Poland?
Many excellent neurologists are knowledgeable about this disease, including, above all, the Gdańsk center with Professor Jarosław Sławek. Scientific research is conducted in many centers, which influences the therapeutic progress.
Compared to how this disease was treated a dozen or so years ago, the progress is probably huge?
There is great progress in unconventional therapy, that is, non-oral drug therapy. It is about deep brain stimulation (DBS), subcutaneous infusion of apomorphine and intragastric infusion of Duodopa. These procedures have been used for many years, but they are not very widespread, because they are, firstly, quite labor-intensive, and secondly, costly, so the payer, due to the budget burden, does not always agree to their use.
What was the latest breakthrough in treatment?
A few years ago, subcutaneous administration of apomorphine was indeed a novelty.
head of the Department and Clinic of Neurology at the Medical University of Karol Marcinkowski in Poznań
Does the National Health Fund finance this therapy?
Yes, but as part of a pilot program. It is not common, only some centers in the country run it. Therefore, in order to undergo such therapy, you should look for an appropriate facility.
What is the survival rate of patients when diagnosed?
A well “cared for” Parkinson’s patient usually does not shorten the life expectancy that much. Nevertheless, it is not easy to do so, so the disease seems to slightly shorten further expected survival, although data from very good centers say that it should not.
Is there a visible difference in life expectancy with the disease between men and women?
Yes, gentlemen die faster. Parkinson’s disease, if it shortens the further expected survival, it is mainly in men, ladies are also somehow protected in this respect, probably the remains of the estrogen pool.
- Consciousness disorders, fainting, problems with the senses should be consulted with a specialist. Make an appointment with a neurologist
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