Bonn, September 16, 2020: The motto of this year's World Alzheimer's Day on September 21 is "Dementia - we need to talk". The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) takes this call quite literally and is launching a new podcast series on this day, hosted by Sabine Heinrich, featuring talk (indeed) – about dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases, with leading scientists and on their latest findings in brain research.
The number of people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, but also with Parkinson's or ALS, is increasing in Germany and internationally. Research into the causes and mechanisms of the disease is complex in terms of technology and organization, and there is no prospect of sustainably effective therapies. Nevertheless, a lot is being done, and through the collaboration of different research areas, new puzzle pieces are constantly being put together to create greater insights. Research is already leading to better risk prevention and a better quality of life for patients.
The new DZNE knowledge podcast casts a spotlight on this research. Radio and TV presenter Sabine Heinrich talks to experts from a wide range of fields - from the molecular and genetic principles of disease processes in the brain to clinical studies in nationwide research networks and the development of novel care concepts in rural areas. The emphasis is always on an open and unprejudiced approach to a topic that many people will at some time or another have to deal with, but until then are happy to ignore.
And the journalist is convinced that there is a lot to talk about: "The brain is an incredibly complicated organ, and neurodegenerative diseases are correspondingly complex. But how do you research these diseases? Where exactly is the research at the moment? What can be done today for prevention, and what does the future of treatment and healthcare look like? I find these questions very exciting, and I look forward to asking them at a regular basis from now on - to internationally leading experts from science and practice, who are working with the DZNE every day to find the answers.“
"Dementia Care Management" opens series with monthly new issues
In the first episode of the podcast, which will be published punctually for World Alzheimer's Day on September 21 on all common platforms as well as on www.dzne.de/podcast, Sabine Heinrich talks to Prof. Wolfgang Hoffmann, healthcare scientist and head of the DZNE site Rostock/Greifswald.
Based on a study among people with dementia in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the concept of "Dementia Care Managers" was developed at his institute. This new approach to patient care takes into account the entire environment of the patients and their relatives and ensures a higher quality of life, relief for relatives and lower care costs. In this interview, Prof. Hoffmann reports on experiences, challenges and opportunities for introducing this concept across the board.
The podcast series is initially planned for one year, with alternating guests as experts on a given topic. Starting with the second issue, the new episodes will be published on the first day of each month.
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About the Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e.V. (DZNE)
The DZNE researches all aspects of neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS) in order to develop new approaches for prevention, therapy and patient care. Through its ten locations, it bundles nationwide expertise within one research organization. The DZNE cooperates closely with universities, university clinics and other institutions at national and international level. The DZNE is a member of the Helmholtz Association.