The 2nd Neurodegenerative Diseases Summit was organized by Üsküdar University Health, Culture and Sports Department (SKS) and the Neuroscience Club. At the summit, current treatment approaches, genetic dimensions, and early diagnosis methods for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and Huntington were discussed. The summit, which emphasized the impact of genetic differences on individual lives and scientific advancements in the field of neurogenetics, was met with great interest by the participants.
The summit, held at the Üsküdar University NP Sağlık Campus's Ibn-i Sina Auditorium, was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Feride Kulalı Özdek, Deputy Director of the Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhsin Elmas, faculty member of the Department of Medical Genetics, Division of Internal Medical Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University Faculty of Medicine; Dr. Ümit Atasever, Lecturer at Kocaeli University Faculty of Health Sciences; Prof. Dr. Ayşe Filiz Koç, faculty member of Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine; Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Ulus, faculty member of the Department of Medical Pharmacology, Okan University; Hatice Melda Uyanık, President of the Neuroscience Club; and club members.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Feride Kulalı Özdek: “Neurodegenerative diseases affect the quality of life of millions of people”
The opening speech of the summit was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Feride Kulalı Özdek, Deputy Director of SHMYO. Özdek stated; “Many neurodegenerative diseases, from Alzheimer's to Parkinson's, ALS to Huntington, seriously affect the quality of life of millions of people worldwide and also create a significant burden on healthcare systems. In the scientific fight in this field, advancements in genetic science, the discovery of biomarkers, stem cell research, and AI-supported diagnostic methods offer us promising developments. I would like to emphasize once again how valuable interdisciplinary collaborations are in this process. I hope this summit will be both inspiring and guiding for all participants.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhsin Elmas conveyed the diagnostic processes of genetic diseases with case examples
Following the opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhsin Elmas, faculty member of the Department of Medical Genetics, Division of Internal Medical Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University Faculty of Medicine, delivered his presentation titled “Neurogenetics: A Look at Life with Philosophical Examples.” Elmas provided examples of the societal reflections of genetic differences. He discussed how the genetic heritage an individual possesses influences the direction of life, touching upon the idea that one's birthplace and geography are part of destiny.
Subsequently, Elmas gave his second presentation titled ‘Neurogenetic Diseases with Case Examples,’ conveying the diagnostic processes of genetic diseases through various case studies. He aimed to raise awareness among young people by stating that the risk of diseases caused by recessive genes increases by 12.5% in consanguineous marriages. He emphasized that research in the field of neurogenetics will rapidly increase, and a period full of discoveries has begun.
Dr. Ümit Atasever emphasized the importance of early diagnosis
Dr. Ümit Atasever, Lecturer at Kocaeli University Faculty of Health Sciences, shared his presentation titled “Sense of Smell and Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of Olfactory Biomarkers in Early Diagnosis” with the participants. Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Atasever shared research with participants advocating that olfactory disorders could be used as a biomarker.
Prof. Dr. Ayşe Filiz Koç discussed current research findings related to ALS
Prof. Dr. Ayşe Filiz Koç, faculty member of Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, participated in the summit online. In her presentation titled “Genetics and Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,” Koç included current research findings related to ALS.
Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Ulus shared his work
Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Ulus, faculty member of the Department of Medical Pharmacology, Okan University, delivered his speech titled “A New Approach to Neurodegenerative Diseases: Synaptogenesis-Enhancing Treatments.” Ulus explained his work from past to present with examples.
Following the completion of the presentations, Hatice Melda Uyanık, President of the Neuroscience Club, presented thank-you certificates and flowers to the participants.
The summit concluded with a group photo session.