On the occasion of disease awareness month:

Dramatic increase in the number of Parkinson's patients in the world

Dr. Benizri, a senior neurologist and specialist in movement disorders: "Today there are no treatments that can cure or stop the progression of the disease, but there are advanced treatments that make it possible to significantly improve the quality of life, prevent severe disability and improve life expectancy."

Along with the corona pandemic: the number of Parkinson's patients doubled in the last two decades and reached about 6 million patients in the world. The expectation is that the number is expected to double again in the next 20 years. So says Dr. Sandra Benizri, director of the Movement Disorders Unit at the Assuta Ramat Hay'il Functional Neurosurgery Center.

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Dr. Sandra Benizri points out: "Tremor is the most recognized sign of Parkinson's, but the symptoms that most impair function are general slowness, change in handwriting to illegibility, weak and less clear speech, leg dragging while walking, balance disorders, and more." The faster and more fully all the symptoms are identified, the more appropriate and accurate a response can be given to the patient."

"Today, there are no treatments that can cure or stop the progression of the disease, but there are advanced treatments that make it possible to significantly improve the quality of life, prevent severe disability and improve life expectancy... Among the advanced treatments: injections administered through the skin, a Levodopa pump that is given directly to the duodenum, and electrodes that are inserted into the brain and connected to a pacemaker under the skin".

Eyal Levy, CEO of the Israel Parkinson Association, emphasizes: "Contrary to the concept that was accepted in the past, according to which Parkinson's cannot be rehabilitated, today it is clear that rehabilitative treatment is essential, in order to prevent the deterioration of the disease and reaching a state of nursing."