There are currently around 400,000 people living with Parkinson's in Germany. There are ways to effectively alleviate the symptoms. However, the right care is often lacking in rural areas. A new network offers help.
The typical symptoms of Parkinson's include tremors and movement disorders such as muscle stiffness, slowed movements and balance disorders. Parkinson's is usually diagnosed between the ages of 55 and 60, with one in ten patients being diagnosed before the age of 40, according to the German Society for Parkinson's and Movement Disorders.
ZfP Weissenau is part of the programme
As a Parkinson's patient, you can receive optimal care close to home and benefit from the expertise of a university hospital: This is made possible by the network initiated by the LMU Munich Hospital PARKLINK, according to a press release. Coordinated by the Neurological Clinic and Polyclinic of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich Hospital, eleven clinics from south-west Germany are working together on PARKLINK. This also includes the Clinic for Neurology and Epileptology at the ZfP Südwürttemberg in Weissenau.
Uncomplicated telemedical presentation
The aim is to improve the care of patients with Parkinson's disease in rural regions via the telemedical connection of a university hospital. PARKLINK combines modern Parkinson's therapy with the latest research findings. PD Dr Christian Tilz, Chief Physician at the Clinic for Neurology and Epileptology at the ZfP Südwürttemberg, is delighted that the cooperation network has come about and explains: „The advantage for patients is the uncomplicated telemedical presentation for cases where drug treatment options are not sufficient. This involves evaluating other therapeutic options, such as neurostimulation procedures or pump therapies. Further aftercare following such an invasive procedure can then take place close to home in Ravensburg. For our clinic, this cooperation represents an essential component of modern patient care in line with the latest research.“
PARKLINK to close the gap
Around 400,000 people in Germany are currently living with Parkinson's disease - a progressive disease that, in addition to the motor symptoms of lack of movement, muscle stiffness, tremors at rest and postural disorders, causes a variety of other non-motor symptoms that can significantly impair quality of life. Today, it is possible to effectively alleviate the symptoms. However, it is far from always possible for patients to visit a specialised department or clinic for individual, high-quality medical care on site.
PARKLINK was founded to close this gap and offer patients optimal care close to home that is also linked to the expertise of a university hospital. Uniform standards are intended to facilitate access to innovative diagnostic and treatment procedures. Patients also benefit from the opportunity to take part in studies at the LMU Clinic. Their relatives are also actively involved through training courses.
Information for relatives and those affected on 3 May in Weissenau
The treatment of Parkinson's disease is a major focus of the Clinic for Neurology and Epileptology at the ZfP Südwürttemberg.
Further information on the treatment programme is available from Patient event on 3 May 2025 available. The event is free, without registration and runs from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm.