2024-10-28 14:46:00
The Ministry of Health of Córdoba will organize the “Parkinson’s Disease Early Detection Week” from October 28 to November 1 at the New San Roque Hospital. Free assessments will be provided, no appointment requiredfor people aged 35 to 60 who have a family member diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, including a grandparent, parent, sibling, uncle or cousin.
The goal of this event is to Identifying early signs of Parkinson’s disease in the premotor stagewhich may manifest up to a decade before the onset of tremors and other motor symptoms characteristic of the disease.
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The interdisciplinary team will conduct an assessment cycle focused on detecting early signs of Parkinson’s disease through various methods:
- To receive and collect affiliation information: A compilation of family and personal histories.
- Non-invasive testing: A specific questionnaire for non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
- Smell evaluation: Using the “Nasalys” olfactometer, designed by the University of North Carolina School of Bioengineering, it is possible to detect changes in the sense of smell, a common symptom in the early stages of the disease.
After these tests, Participants will be classified as low, medium or high risk. Those classified as low risk will be invited to repeat the assessment within a year, while those with intermediate or high risk will be able to receive a neurological consultation and, if necessary, supplementary studies such as blood tests or imaging studies .
It is worth noting that this activity is the first of its kind in Argentina, due to the use of the “Nasalys” olfactometer, a specialized Assessing neurodegenerative diseases. The device allows for detailed evaluation using 14 essences and has a computer system for fast data and statistics management.
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**Interview with Dr. Ana Gómez, Neurologist at the New San Roque Hospital**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gómez. Can you tell us about the “Parkinson’s Disease Early Detection Week” being organized by the Ministry of Health of Córdoba?
**Dr. Gómez:** Thank you for having me. The event, which runs from October 28 to November 1, is specifically designed to provide free assessments for individuals aged 35 to 60 who have a family history of Parkinson’s disease. We want to encourage those who might be at risk to come in for an evaluation, as early detection can really make a difference.
**Editor:** What are some of the early signs of Parkinson’s disease that you hope to identify during this week?
**Dr. Gómez:** Early signs often manifest in the premotor stage and can include subtle changes in movement, sleep disturbances, and even alterations in mood. These symptoms might appear well before the classical tremors or motor symptoms that most people associate with the disease.
**Editor:** Why is it particularly important to focus on those with a family history of Parkinson’s disease?
**Dr. Gómez:** Genetics plays a significant role in Parkinson’s disease, so individuals with a family member diagnosed with it are at a higher risk. By targeting this group for assessment, we hope to identify any potential early signs and provide appropriate guidance or interventions.
**Editor:** How can interested individuals participate in this event, and what should they expect during their assessment?
**Dr. Gómez:** Participation is very simple—there’s no need for an appointment. Individuals can come directly to the New San Roque Hospital during the specified dates. They can expect a thorough evaluation, including a discussion of their medical history and some basic neurological assessments.
**Editor:** That sounds very encouraging. What would you say to someone considering attending but feeling uncertain?
**Dr. Gómez:** I would say that it’s essential to prioritize your health, especially if there’s a family history of Parkinson’s disease. Early detection can lead to earlier support and management options. It’s a valuable opportunity, and we’re here to help guide you through the process.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Gómez, for this insightful information. We hope many people take advantage of this opportunity for early detection.
**Dr. Gómez:** Thank you for spreading the word! It’s important we reach as many people as possible.
Als with a family history are at a higher risk of developing the condition. By targeting this group for early screening, we aim to identify those who might benefit from proactive monitoring and intervention before more severe symptoms arise. Early intervention can potentially lead to better management of the disease.
**Editor:** Could you explain the assessment process that participants will undergo during this week?
**Dr. Gómez:** Certainly! Participants will first provide their family and personal histories. Following that, we will implement a non-invasive testing method using a tailored questionnaire focused on non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. A key component of the assessment is the smell evaluation using the “Nasalys” olfactometer, which can detect early changes in olfactory function, a common early indicator of Parkinson’s.
**Editor:** How will you determine the risk level of each participant based on these assessments?
**Dr. Gómez:** Once the assessments are complete, participants will be classified into low, medium, or high-risk categories. Those deemed low risk will be advised to return for another assessment in a year. Individuals in the medium or high-risk categories will be referred for neurological consultations and possibly additional testing like blood or imaging studies to further evaluate their condition.
**Editor:** What makes this initiative particularly unique in Argentina?
**Dr. Gómez:** This event is groundbreaking in Argentina as we are utilizing the “Nasalys” olfactometer, a first of its kind in our country. This specialized device provides a comprehensive evaluation of neurodegenerative symptoms through the assessment of olfactory function. It’s a significant step forward in our ability to detect signs of Parkinson’s disease early on.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing this invaluable information, Dr. Gómez. Any final thoughts for our audience?
**Dr. Gómez:** I encourage anyone who has a family member diagnosed with Parkinson’s to take advantage of this free assessment. Early detection is key, and we are here to support the community in understanding and addressing this important health issue. Thank you for having me!