Frank Elstner in Luxembourg: living with Parkinson’s, sharing experiences and creating the future together

• Transversal Translational Medicine (TTM)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Events

What does it mean to live with Parkinson’s? What can patients learn from one another, and what new perspectives are emerging from medical research? These questions were at the heart of two events in Luxembourg featuring Frank Elstner, the renowned German television presenter who has become a prominent voice for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

The first event, “Dann zitter ich halt”, offered an opportunity for open dialogue between patients and medical experts. Moderated by Dr Sabine Schmitz, the discussion featured Frank Elstner alongside Alex Kloos, President of Amicale ParkinsonNet Luxembourg and ParkinsonNet patient ambassador, Prof. Dr Jens Volkmann, neurologist and Parkinson’s specialist, and Prof. Dr Rejko Krüger, Coordinator of the Réseau de compétences maladies neurodégénératives/ParkinsonNet Luxembourg and Director of Transversal Translational Medicine (TTM) at the LIH.

Rather than focusing solely on medical treatments, the conversation explored what living with Parkinson’s means in everyday life: the challenges following diagnosis, the importance of physical activity, the relationship between patients and doctors, and the expectations placed on research. Patients and their families also had the opportunity to contribute their own experiences and questions. Frank Elstner’s main message to patients was: “Be disciplined, exercise regularly, and find out as early as possible what makes you happy and fulfilled.”

Later that day, Mr. Elstner introduced a scientific lecture at the CHL by Prof. Dr Jens Volkmann, his neurologist, Director of the Neurological University Clinic Wuerzburg, and co-author of the book “Dann zitter ich halt – Leben trotz Parkinson”. Under the title “The Critical Role of Timing in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease”, Dr Volkmann presented how the timing of therapeutic interventions may influence treatment outcomes, including emerging research into early deep brain stimulation.

Frank Elstner came to Luxembourg at the invitation of Alex Kloos, President of Amicale ParkinsonNet Luxembourg and patients ambassador of the Réseau de compétences maladies neurodégénératives ParkinsonNet Luxembourg, whose initiative made this exchange between patients, medical experts and researchers possible.

The two events were organised together by Amicale ParkinsonNet Luxembourg ASBL, Réseau de compétences maladies neurodégénératives ParkinsonNet Luxembourg and the Luxembourg Institute of Health, with the support of the CHL, LALUX and MEHBAG.