Dr Meyer, who summarised the clinical sessions said that this year, he has seen a trend in the evidence for symptomatic treatment and care; an improvement of palliative care; progress in clinical trials and trial management; an integration of IT in trials, patient management and home care as well as the empowerment of patients and their families.
The second speaker, who summarised the scientific sessions, was Dr Van den Bosch who said that it is exciting times for MND research. Fifteen years ago, we learnt about a mistake (mutation) in a gene called SOD1 that causes 20% of the inherited, familial form of MND (that accounts for 10% of all cases). A few years later, we then developed the first and only treatment for MND – riluzole. In the past two years, we have learnt about two new causes of inherited MND – TDP-43 and FUS gene mutations. During the symposium we have also learnt more about the role that genes play in MND as well as the development of a number of new and exciting models. We are also learning more about the causes and are constantly adding to our current knowledge.
It is only through sharing this knowledge and collaborating internationally that we can find a new treatment for MND and improve care and quality of life for all who are living with the disease.
After the talks concluded, researchers, clinicians and health and social care professionals said their final goodbyes to old and new acquaintances as they left the auditorium for the last time.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Kevin Thomas and Chris Lynch for giving up their ‘spare’ time during the symposium to tell me about their highlights and insights – they were both extremely helpful and enthusiastic throughout the whole event.I hope that you have enjoyed reading my blog and now have a true sense of what the symposium is all about.
It is only through sharing this knowledge and collaborating internationally that we can find a new treatment for MND and improve care and quality of life for all who are living with the disease.
After the talks concluded, researchers, clinicians and health and social care professionals said their final goodbyes to old and new acquaintances as they left the auditorium for the last time.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Kevin Thomas and Chris Lynch for giving up their ‘spare’ time during the symposium to tell me about their highlights and insights – they were both extremely helpful and enthusiastic throughout the whole event.I hope that you have enjoyed reading my blog and now have a true sense of what the symposium is all about.
The symposium is not ‘just’ about the presentations given. It’s more than that. It’s about meeting people with a similar research interest to forge a new collaboration. It’s about coming together from across the world. It’s about asking questions and debating ideas to push research forwards to a new level. This is why we organise the symposium every year and we are extremely proud to say that this year has been successful. 
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment