Conference zeros in on Parkinson's disease

Dozens of the world's top medical specialists and scientists have assembled in Beijing to share their latest findings in Parkinson's disease research, which address early diagnosis, prevention and treatment, during the 2nd International Forum on Motor Control and Parkinson's disease.

Held in China National Convention Center from Sept 26 to 28, the forum is organized by Chinese Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Chinese Geriatrics Society and Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University.

Parkinson's disease is a common degenerative disease of the nervous system that mostly affects the motor system. One of the most difficult diseases to live with, its mechanism is still unknown to the medical world. In China's aging society, the number of Parkinson’s disease patients is increasing fast. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2030, China will be home to 5 million Parkinson's disease patients — 57 percent of the cases in the world.

For early-stage patients, medication is very effective, but for severe cases where drugs are ineffective, surgery to place the microelectrodes for deep brain stimulation has been used to reduce motor symptoms. In the past, most of such devices were imported and are very expensive. Now there are two Chinese companies capable of manufacturing the devices, according to the forum organizers.

The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society issued new clinical diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines for the disease in 2015. The Chinese Society of Neurology has issued the Chinese version for clinical diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines of Parkinson’s disease in 2016.

Dr Mark Hallett, an American neurologist and neurophysiologist, and winner of the Friendship Award, the highest honor that the Chinese government presents to foreigners who have made significant contributions to China's social and economic development, co-chairs the forum with Chinese neurophysiologist Chen Biao and Chinese neurosurgeon Li Yongjie.

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