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Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi delivers first infusion therapy for Parkinson's in region
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi delivers first infusion therapy for Parkinson's in region

Al Etihad

time6 days ago

  • Health
  • Al Etihad

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi delivers first infusion therapy for Parkinson's in region

17 June 2025 11:31 ABU DHABI (WAM) Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, has successfully introduced continuous infusion therapy, a cutting-edge therapeutic treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease, making it the first hospital in the GCC region to offer this innovative therapy offers a groundbreaking alternative for patients who are not candidates for DBS or prefer a non-invasive all patients in the advanced stages of Parkinson's are eligible for it. It delivers a continuous subcutaneous infusion of levodopa-carbidopa—the gold-standard medication for Parkinson's—through a compact pump connected to the skin. Unlike oral medications, which can lead to fluctuating absorption and inconsistent symptom control, this approach provides a steady, around-the-clock infusion, ensuring more stable symptom post-treatment follow-ups are significantly reduced to once every six months, compared to the frequent monitoring required after DBS surgery, making it a more convenient long-term option for by an exceptional team of Parkinson's disease specialists providing 24/7 care, alongside a dedicated rehabilitation team and other medical professionals, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi ensures patients receive the highest level of comprehensive, patient-centred on bringing advanced and tailored treatment solutions to the region, Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, the CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said, 'The introduction of continuous therapy in the UAE and GCC represents a critical advancement in how we approach patient care and outcomes in the region. As neurodegenerative diseases become more prevalent, patients are increasingly in need of personalised, innovative solutions.'Highlighting the impact of the therapy, Dr. Shivam Om Mittal, Staff Physician, Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, who led the treatment, said, 'We are proud to be the first in the region to offer this groundbreaking therapy so soon after its global introduction. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we provide a full spectrum of advanced Parkinson's treatments—including oral medication, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and now this treatment, ensuring each patient receives a personalised care plan. Additionally, our exceptional team of Parkinson's disease specialists, supported by a dedicated rehabilitation team and other medical professionals, ensures 24/7 care and comprehensive support for our patients at every stage of their journey.'The infusion system functions much like an insulin pump, with a compact, phone-sized device connected to a fine tube placed on the skin. It delivers a continuous infusion of Parkinson's medication throughout the day and night, maintaining stable drug levels and significantly reducing motor fluctuations and innovation is transforming how we manage advanced Parkinson's disease, offering patients greater stability, independence, and an improved quality of life. Additionally, its straightforward design makes it easy to implement, providing a seamless transition for both patients and Parkinson's disease being the fastest-growing neurodegenerative condition worldwide—expected to double by 2040—the need for innovative, effective treatments has never been more urgent. Currently, 1% of individuals over 60 years old are affected globally, with an increasing number of young-onset cases under 50 being its introduction in 2019 by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery has been the leading advanced treatment for Parkinson's in the UAE. The hospital has now successfully performed over 100 Clinic Abu Dhabi, through the pioneering introduction of continuous infusion therapy in the GCC, is leading the charge in neurological marks a significant step forward in the UAE's ambition to become a global hub for medical innovation. With its multidisciplinary approach to patient care, where neurology, surgery, rehabilitation, and other specialities collaborate seamlessly, it continues to set new standards in advancing treatment options that transform patient outcomes and improve lives across the region.

New innovations offer hope for Parkinson's patients but awareness remains key, say UAE experts
New innovations offer hope for Parkinson's patients but awareness remains key, say UAE experts

Al Etihad

time30-04-2025

  • Health
  • Al Etihad

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 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.'

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