World Parkinson's Day: Optimizing treatment for patients
To mark World Parkinson's Day on 11 April, the Department of Neurology at the University Medical Center Mainz is highlighting a new research project funded by the Innovation Fund of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), which also involves the participation of the University Hospital Frankfurt: INSPIRE-PNRM+ (INterdiSziPlinäre und InteRsektorale telemedizinische Evaluation, Koordination und Behandlung im ParkinsonNetz RheinMain+) aims to establish optimized, effective and needs-based treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease. The new form of care comprises three components in particular: specially trained care professionals, an interdisciplinary and trans-sectoral network and a telemedical platform.
INSPIRE-PNRM+ is being funded by the Innovation Fund of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) with a total of around 5.6 million euros over a period of three and a half years. The project was launched on 1 August 2023 and is currently in the preparatory stage. Overall, around 1,300 patients with Parkinson's from Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate are set to take part in the project.
The University Medical Center Mainz is the consortium leader of the research project. Consortium partners are Deutsche Parkinson Vereinigung e. V., Catholic University of Applied Sciences Mainz (KH Mainz), Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society, the University Hospital Frankfurt as well as the Techniker Krankenkasse and DAK-Gesundheit health insurance funds. In addition, the research project also cooperates with professional associations and specialist clinics.
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in Germany after Alzheimer's disease. Around 400,000 people are currently affected. Parkinson's disease is characterized in particular by motor disorders. These include the very typical rest tremor (Parkinson's tremor) as well as slowed movement and increasing muscle stiffness. In addition, non-specific symptoms such as sleep disorders, mood swings and pain can also occur. The chronic progression of the disease can severely impair the quality of life of those affected. A particular challenge in Parkinson's treatment is that the disease does not progress the same way in all patients.
Additional information is available in the press release linked below (in German).