Forum: Are they shortages of PD Doctors in Singapore?

Discussion Corner Forum Index -> Ask The Parkinson Dietician
View previous topic :: View next topic
Author
Message
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RDJoined: 22 Jan 2007Posts: 94Location: www.nutritionucanlivewith.com
Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 5:24 pm Post subject: News: Singapore - More young here hit by Parkinson's

Dear Friends, the following may be of interest for those in Singapore. Best, Kathrynne ======================================================== More young here hit by Parkinson's By Gracia Chiang, TODAY Posted: 12 April 2007 1222 hrs http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/health/view/269870/1/.html SINGAPORE: Doctors are seeing more young people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a degenerative disease usually associated with ageing. In fact, of the 5,000 to 7,000 cases diagnosed in Singapore, 15 to 20 per cent are patients below the age of 40, said senior consultant neurologist Dr Tan Eng King at a press conference yesterday on World Parkinson's Disease Day. He told Today he has seen a 10-to-20-per-cent jump in the number of new diagnoses in that age group over the last two years at the Singapore General Hospital. Why this is happening is unclear, but Dr Tan said this makes early diagnosis and treatment even more important. "A young student might think it is just their nature to be slow in their movement, or someone who has tremors may think it is because of anxiety," he said. Parkinson's is a brain disorder that manifests itself in uncontrollable shaking, stiffness in the limbs and slowness of movement. There is currently no cure but the symptoms can be managed through medication and surgery. Another consultant neurologist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital also said he was "beginning to see more cases of younger patients". However, Dr Au Wing Lok noted that this could be because "more of them are aware (of the condition) and are coming forward". A local study in 2004 found that the disease affects three out of every 1,000 Singaporeans aged 50 and above. While there has not been a similar study done among younger Singaporeans, Dr Louis Tan from the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) suggested that research could focus instead on the genetic causes of the disease — as it has been found that a greater proportion of younger people with Parkinson's carry gene mutations. Last year, Singapore and Taiwan researchers identified a mutated gene that doubles the chance of developing the disease and, interestingly, is found in people of Chinese descent. More genetic information will "allow doctors to confirm the diagnosis in some patients earlier" and to counsel patients on the risks of their children having the disease, said Dr Tan Eng King. Meanwhile, a three-day international symposium on the disease will be held here in October. It will include workshops on rehabilitation therapy and nursing. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/health/view/269870/1/.html_________________Best regards, Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD -- For a Parkinson Tip of the Day visit: http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/
Back to


Anonymous
Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 5:47 am Post subject:Shortages of Movement Disorder Doctors in Singapore

In view of the aged growth population in Singapore there are shortages of Movement Disorder Doctors.

It takes 3-4 weeks to make appointments with the Doctors in the Government Hospitals.

Public and Private charity organizations been encouraged to give more scholarships to the medical students to pursue the course in order to cope up of their shortages.

The support groups and caregivers of PD have to work hard to have public awareness of the Parkinson Diseases and a sources of helps. Thanks TEO KIM HOE


Back to top
Dear Teo,> I agree with you.> PD is a rich man disease and I feel that the support in Singapore is not> sufficient too.>

If you got to the government hospital, getting an appointment can be up to > 4> weeks or even longer.> Doctors are unreachable and when you page for the doctors, it is at their> own discreet to return call.>

Unless you have $ to attend a private clinic, then the doctor are more> willing to talk to you but for long term, it is very heavy burden for> average income family.>

My mother has PD at a young age of 40, now she is 48.> And her health is deterioting.> Her medicines are expensive and she now have muscle ache, hallucination > and> her feelings are often unstable.>

Under the extreme working pressure in Singapore, it is difficult to > dedicate> enough time for her.>

It makes me sad that I am unable to relieve her of pain and agony.> PD would require to see a nutritionist and a psychiatrist and a> physiotherapist and a good PD doctor.> And in Singapore, all these are expensive charges.>>

Yours sincerely,> Angeline Lua>> ************************************>


> Dear Angelina,> You might post your questions to "Ask the Doctor."

The doctors are all > excellent PD specialists, and may be able to give you some guidance for > your mother's next doctor appointment -- perhaps questions to ask her > doctor, comments regarding the kind and amounts of medications she is > using, etc.>>

If you have nutrition-related questions, I will help if I can.>> Best regards,> Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD> --> For a Parkinson Tip of the Day visit:> http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/>>> --- End Message

Kathrynne Holden, MS, RDJoined: 22 Jan 2007Posts: 94Location: www.nutritionucanlivewith.com
Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:30 am Post subject:

Teo, I hope very much that your information and posts will help to raise public awareness of PD in your country. You might like to let the support groups know that NPF will send informative booklets at no cost, and will also answer questions here on the Discussion Corner. I wish you and the PD groups the very best!_________________Best regards, Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD -- For a Parkinson Tip of the Day visit: http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/
Back to top