New innovations offer hope for Parkinson's patients but awareness remains key, say UAE experts
1 May 2025 01:23
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Even though Parkinson's cases are expected to rise globally in the coming years, new technologies offer hope to patients suffering from the disease, doctors told Aletihad. These are among the talking points as healthcare experts wrapped up Parkinson's Awareness Month in April. Recent innovations such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) have completely transformed outcomes for Parkinson's patients, said Dr. Shivam Om Mittal, Staff Physician at the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.'DBS helps control symptoms with remarkable precision, letting patients walk, work, and live independently even after medications lose effectiveness,' Dr. Mittal said. Dr. Jawad Fazal, Neurology Consultant at Burjeel Medical City, agreed that Parkinson's treatments have now gone beyond traditional medications.'When medication becomes less effective or causes side effects, we have alternatives like DBS surgery, continuous dopamine infusion, and devices like Pathfinder to aid mobility,' Dr. Fazal said. In the UAE and many parts of the world, genetics has helped experts tailor more precise therapies for young-onset and familial cases, Dr. Mittal said. 'The future is bright,' he said. 'Brain-sensing DBS is already a huge step forward. Soon, we'll have closed-loop systems that automatically adjust stimulation, and AI will allow us to predict symptom changes and customise treatments even more precisely. We are heading toward a highly dynamic, truly personalised model of Parkinson's care — and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is right at the forefront of that shift.'All these innovations offer new hope despite projections that more people could suffer from the disease decades from now. "Research predicts that Parkinson's cases will more than double by 2050,' Dr. Mittal said. 'People are living longer, and diagnosis is improving — but environmental and lifestyle factors might also be playing a role. Another trend that's worrying is the increase in younger patients developing Parkinson's."
Early Signs, Symptoms As the world comes to terms with the disease, the experts call for greater awareness and support beyond therapies and medications. "The key thing about Parkinson's is awareness — it's a condition that predominantly affects people over the age of 50 or 60. Patients often notice a tremor developing, usually in one hand, although it can affect both sides,' Dr. Fazal said."Other signs include slower movements and changes in walking patterns, like shuffling. Sometimes, the patients themselves notice these symptoms, but often it is their family members who pick up on the changes first," he added.Non-movement symptoms may appear early, too, Dr. Fazal said. "Parkinson's can have a genetic component, even in younger individuals."Lifestyle plays a crucial role in managing the disease, with regular exercise and a healthy diet among the top essentials. "We're very fortunate in Abu Dhabi to have access to nearly all the treatments available worldwide,' Dr. Fazal said. 'Most patients are managed successfully with medications, and all the latest medications are readily available here.'
Abu Dhabi is very advanced when it comes to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of Parkinson's disease, he added. 'Patients here have access to a level of care that's on par with leading centres internationally.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
17 hours ago
- Al Etihad
From breeding to cloning: UAE centres on a mission to preserve elite camels and safeguard cultural heritage
22 June 2025 22:12 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)With camels regarded as a key part of the UAE's cultural and natural heritage, specialised centres and organisations have made concerted efforts to conserve these 'ships of the desert' and ensure they continue to shine — from racing to serving communities — for future generations. On World Camel Day, marked annually on June 22, Aletihad looked into remarkable initiatives dedicated to this well-loved desert animal. Advanced Scientific Group (ASG), one of the oldest institutions specialising in camel research, has been making an impact worldwide since 1989."The group is considered the primary centre and global reference for everything related to infertility, reproduction, cloning, genetic analysis, and genomics in camels,' Khalifa Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Advanced Scientific Group, told work has been a trusted source of information when it comes to camel diseases, infertility treatment, and reproduction. Years of research has yielded crucial innovation, with many of these technologies now used in preserving distinctive camel breeds. Genetic testing has enhanced breeding programmes, Al Nuami said. "Genetic analysis creates a roadmap for production, as we match and combine the best breeds available in the Gulf region, helping us achieve our goal in the shortest possible time, especially in camel racing or milk production. However, our primary focus is currently on camel racing,' he told Aletihad. A purebred camel mother can also be spared the risks of childbirth through embryo transfer, with incubators then taking over delivery and rearing—thereby helping to preserve specific breeds, he camels from rare and valuable lineages can be cloned, too, to ensure their survival, Al Nuami said. 'Some stallions have been cloned despite having died more than 20 years ago,' he said. "Cloning has played a major role in preserving extinct breeds. Cells can also be preserved and cloned when needed, and even multiplied if they possess distinct traits."For camel owners, cloning comes with sentimental value. "Owners often have a strong emotional bond with their camels, and cloning strengthens these bonds by keeping their beloved mounts close at hand,' Al Nuami Smart Camel Center (ESCC), based in Umm Al Quwain, is also committed to advancing camel racing and protecting purebred camels through modern techniques and advanced veterinary care.'The centre integrates rich Emirati heritage with modern technologies and methodologies,' said Dr. Mahmoud Moussa, Head of the Veterinary Department at the ESCC, in an interview with Aletihad. 'We preserve the cultural value of camels while improving performance through scientific studies, biotechnology, and eco-friendly operations powered by solar energy—all in line with the UAE's Green Vision.' Supporting Camel Owners The centre houses top camel breeds, famed for their racetrack strength and stamina.'Through embryo transfer, we can produce up to 10 offspring from a single camel in one season — each with a different father. This enhances genetic traits while preventing inbreeding, which could compromise the health of future generations,' he said. The hub provides all necessary medical services to camel owners using state-of-the-art medical equipment and highly qualified staff. Health advice, care tips, and advanced breeding support are also offered. 'We help owners choose the best males and females from rare breeds to ensure strong future generations. We also maintain some of the top male camels with purebred, high-genetic value to preserve biodiversity and breed integrity,' Dr. Moussa said. Beyond caring for camels, both ASG and ESCC have made it their mission to engage younger generations and keep the interest in these iconic animals alive. '(The ESCC) works annually with UAE University and the Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah to train undergraduate students, giving them hands-on experience and knowledge of the latest biotechnologies to improve breeding and maintain breed purity,' Dr. Moussa also collaborates with universities, whether in the fields of reproduction, diseases, or even new medicines and vaccinations. 'We have a training partnership with the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, where our students receive ongoing training, in addition to our cooperation with hospitals and relevant official authorities in the country,' Al Nuaimi said.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Al Etihad
Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre launch Personalised Weight Management Programme, first of its kind in Middle East
20 June 2025 11:29 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) have launched a new Personalised Weight Management Programme, integrating digital monitoring, a unique reimbursement model, and tailored clinical programme, which is the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East, promotes sustainable weight management and active living to significantly reduce the risks of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, ultimately enhancing overall quality of life and health to eligible Thiqa members aged 18 and above who are clinically identified as overweight or obese, the programme features an innovative reimbursement model designed to encourage sustained engagement, accountability, and continuous active Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: 'Our focus is on health – not just weight. This programme supports our vision for an active, health-conscious community, empowering individuals through personalised and science-driven solutions. Weight management requires tailored solutions, not a one-size-fits-all approach, and this programme ensures each participant receives precisely what they need to succeed.'The programme provides eligible individuals with a comprehensive, personalised 360-degree health plan that includes early screening, behavioural health support, clinical interventions if medically indicated, and ongoing long-term support to ensure sustainable plans could include early screening with initial health assessments, including BMI checks and metabolic evaluations, to proactively identify risks. The programme begins with personalised behavioural and lifestyle support, featuring an initial 16-week plan, extendable beyond a year, to offer tailored behavioural, lifestyle, and medical support based on each participant's includes individual coaching, nutritional and physical activity guidance, and regular follow-ups, with progress tracked via the Sahatna digital health app, clinical interventions (if medically indicated) with access to medications, under medical supervision ensuring safe and effective care and long-term support with structured follow-up plans with ongoing nutritional guidance, regular monitoring of health indicators and activity, and clear, medically supervised strategies for safely transitioning individuals off clinical treatments to maintain sustainable Dhabi's Sahatna app serves as the dedicated digital health platform, empowering participants, in collaboration with healthcare professionals, to track comprehensive health indicators beyond weight, including physical activity, heart health, sleep, and stress levels, to foster lasting positive Rashid Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, said: 'We know that even moderate weight loss and modest increases in physical activity significantly lower chronic disease risk. Traditionally, healthcare systems have lacked clear pathways for doctors to support patients in becoming physically active or to effectively link them with supportive services. Our programme directly addresses this gap by providing structured guidance, personalised activity plans, and continuous monitoring support through digital tools and clinical oversight - empowering our community to proactively manage their health and enhance their quality of life.'Eligible Thiqa members can begin their journey by booking an initial consultation at their local primary care centre, where a dedicated healthcare provider will guide them through every step of their personalised health plan. All participants, irrespective of past experiences or challenges, are encouraged to take this important first step toward improved weight management and long-term health. This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to personalised, preventive health solutions that improve individual wellbeing and community health.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Al Etihad
From lab to market: ATRC entities turn breakthrough research into real-world technologies
20 June 2025 02:27 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Fuelling the UAE's push for innovation and a knowledge-based future are local labs and institutions that transform cutting-edge research into homegrown Advanced Technology Research Council's (ATRC) key entities - TII, ASPIRE, and SteerAI - are translating advanced science into real-world solutions that serve communities and national priorities, from AI to robotics and automation. "We are helping the UAE shift from adopting technologies to building them - delivering real economic and strategic value," said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, in an interview with Aletihad . "Whether it is AI, quantum, robotics, or advanced materials, we are working on scalable, secure systems that support industrial resilience and self-reliance."Radar systems, edge AI tools, and impact-responsive body armour are some of the technologies that are moving "steadily from lab to market", supported by TII's commercialisation partner VentureOne, Dr. Aaraj ProjectsTII has been working with major government entities to advance next-generation technologies across sectors, from aerial systems and quantum-secure space communications to AI-enabled healthcare."Our robotics centre worked with the GCAA on autonomous aerial corridors. In quantum, we are partnering with the UAE Space Agency on secure communications for space infrastructure," Dr. Aaraj said."In AI, we enable edge-based models for healthcare and government, while in autonomous robotics, we are advancing GPS-free navigation for logistics and inspections."TII also invests in local talent. "Programmes like NexTech embed top Emirati STEM students in international universities and bring them back to our research centres to build the next generation of UAE scientists," she with Real-World ImpactATRC's ASPIRE also seeks to "bridge the gap between breakthrough research and tangible, real-world impact", turning lab ideas into deployable tech across key sectors. Speaking to Aletihad , Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE and A2RL, said: "From tackling carbon storage monitoring to shaping air corridors for autonomous mobility, our work ensures that emerging technologies meet real industrial and societal needs." ASPIRE focuses on "dual-use, high-impact technologies", including AI, robotics, and advanced materials."We are proving high-performance systems can be designed and built in the UAE," Timpano said, highlighting projects like A2RL's EAV-24 autonomous lab-to-market process starts by identifying real-world challenges in priority sectors, he said."Then, we invite global and local innovators to solve (these challenges) through competitive, milestone-driven programmes. Once a solution proves viable, we help de-risk and scale it."The goal, Timpano added, is to "forge new collaborations and show how the UAE is not just buying innovation but building it"."Everything we do is designed to grow the UAE's intellectual capital," he SolutionsSteerAI, on the other hand, seeks to drive the UAE's shift from tech importer to innovator through sovereign autonomous mobility Michael Sonderby, Acting CEO of SteerAI, told Aletihad that the company is helping drive the UAE's shift from tech importer to innovator through sovereign autonomous mobility solutions."SteerAI is a direct product of the UAE's ambition to become a global leader in advanced manufacturing and AI innovation," said Michael Sonderby, Acting CEO of an instance, its autonomous GPS-free system, CoreX, was developed at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and is now being deployed with partners like A2RL and Milrem Robotics."CoreX allows our vehicles to navigate unmapped terrain in real time without relying on GPS or maps," Sonderby said. "It has huge implications for defence, ISR, search and rescue, and more." SteerAI's CoreX system is designed to keep humans out of danger zones, he said. "It does not tire, get distracted, or miss signals. We detect and avoid obstacles faster than human drivers." By supporting the country's autonomous tech ecosystem, SteerAI's "goal is to contribute to the UAE's vision of becoming a global tech hub", Sonderby said.
