We Are Not Sure
I am back from Europe, and finally getting past the remnants of my COVID. Didn’t I tell you?! I got COVID while in Spain. I probably did not tell you so I would not get pity comments through social media while over there. I’ll write more about it in future posts, but for now, three weeks later, the brain fog continues. The other day I had to ask the scheduler at my neurologist’s office what month it was. I couldn’t remember if it was June or August. The right answer was July, but that wasn’t even an option in my mind. Luckily, that means I am only functioning a bit past my usual level of deficit.
As with customs officials, airlines staff, and conference organizers, no one here at home seems to care about my COVID. Everyone I know is asking about the conference. What did I learn? Was Michael J. Fox there? (No.) How was the food? (Very tasty.) For what it’s worth here is my assessment of the World Parkinson’s Congress which I attended in Barcelona.
As always the conference attendees make it great. Be it the researchers, providers, care partners, or the people living with Parkinson’s, there’s a spirit of oneness. Everyone is there for the same reason: to put an end to the Parkinson’s. If that isn’t possible this year, a foundation of hope is laid for the future. I have to say that compared to previous years this year‘s conference relied heavily on hope for the future.
I have determined that the catchphrase for the 2023 World Parkinson’s Congress was “but we’re not sure.” There is a new by biomarker. Will it have clinical implications? Yes, “but we’re not sure” how. Will it be a research tool as an independent variable used to identify treatments. Probably, “but we’re not sure.” There are new studies about the role of the gut and Parkinson’s, biological subtypes of Parkinson’s, and co-pathologies and Parkinson’s. Will any of these help our understanding or lead to a cure? Likely, “but we’re not sure.”
On the final day, there was a speaker on humor and PD. I didn’t go to it. First off there was, to me, a more interesting workshop. Secondly, I did not want our funny to get mixed up. I’m sure he was very funny. I’m sure we have some similarities in finding the funny in Parkinson’s, but I didn’t want to risk it. Let us say his presentation had some new perspective or angle that I haven’t made or seen. Might it influence me or might I copy him. Maybe, but I’m not sure.
