Looking back at the World Parkinson Congress in Japan

This year the World Parkinson Congress (WPC) took place between the 3rd and 5th of June in Kyoto, Japan. ParkinsonNet was represented by nutritionist Karin Overbeek, speech therapist Hanneke Kalf and neurologist Bas Bloem. They each look back on their experience:

Hanneke: ”This is the only international Parkinson’s congress which a lot of people with Parkinson’s attend, traveling from all over the world. Again it struck me how many patients are looking for good information and treatment, which they can’t find in their own area. Among other things I spoke about the consequences of facial masking on swallowing,  loss of saliva and social interaction. I also demonstrated the Voice Trainer together with Bas.”

”As a speech therapist specialized in chewing- and swallowing problems I was particularly interested in the food they served. The congress provided lunch for all attendees. Everyone received a Bentobox, a typical Japanese lunch consisting of rice and small bites in a box. Not really easy to eat for people with problems swallowing, certainly a challenge in eating mindful with chopsticks though.”
Karin: ”The interaction between people with Parkinson’s and healthcare professionals made this congress very inspiring. Scientist give patients and other caregivers an update on their findings. As a healthcare professional myself I saw the impact Parkinson’s has on people’s lives firsthand for four days. Attendees had a lot of questions about good nutrition combined with Parkinson’s. I provided a lecture about a Parkinson’s diet.”

Bas: ”During the WPC scientist don’t present their latest findings and insights, they give an overview of what is already known. An evidence based lecture given by a Danish professor which showed that Parkinson’s can originate in two different places stuck with me. One type probably originates in the bowels while the other originates in the brain. A well told, substantial story.”

The next WPC will be held from the 7th through 10th of June 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. Save the date!