2nd Neurodegenerative Diseases summit held

Üsküdar University’s Health, Culture and Sports Department (HCS), in collaboration with the Neuroscience Club, organized the 2nd Neurodegenerative Diseases Summit. The summit addressed current treatment approaches, genetic aspects, and early diagnosis methods related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and Huntington’s disease. Emphasizing the impact of genetic variations on individual lives and scientific advancements in the field of neurogenetics, the summit attracted significant interest from participants.

Held at the İbni Sina Auditorium of Üsküdar University’s NP Health Campus, the summit welcomed Assoc. Prof. Feride Kulalı Özdek, Deputy Director of the Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS); Assoc. Prof. Muhsin Elmas, faculty member in the Department of Medical Genetics at Istanbul Medipol University’s Faculty of Medicine; Dr. Ümit Atasever from Kocaeli University Faculty of Health Sciences; Prof. Ayşe Filiz Koç from Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine; Prof. İsmail Hakkı Ulus from the Department of Medical Pharmacology at Okan University; as well as Neuroscience Club President Hatice Melda Uyanık and club members.

Assoc. Prof. Feride Kulalı Özdek: “Neurodegenerative diseases affect the quality of life of millions”

The opening speech of the summit was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Feride Kulalı Özdek. She stated: “From Alzheimer’s to Parkinson’s, from ALS to Huntington’s disease, many neurodegenerative disorders significantly impact the quality of life for millions of people worldwide and place a heavy burden on healthcare systems. Advances in genetics, the discovery of biomarkers, stem cell research, and AI-assisted diagnostic methods offer promising developments in this field. I would like to especially emphasize the critical value of interdisciplinary collaboration in these efforts. I hope this summit serves as both an inspiration and a guide for all participants.”

Assoc. Prof. Muhsin Elmas presented diagnostic processes of genetic diseases through case studies

Following the opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Muhsin Elmas from Istanbul Medipol University delivered his first presentation titled “Neurogenetics: A Philosophical Perspective on Life.” Elmas discussed the social implications of genetic diversity, explaining how the home and geography one is born into shape their fate, and how genetic inheritance influences life trajectories.

In his second presentation, “Neurogenetic Diseases Through Case Examples,” Elmas illustrated diagnostic processes of genetic diseases through various clinical cases. He highlighted that the risk of genetic disorders increases by 12.5% in cousin marriages, aiming to raise awareness among youth. He emphasized that research in neurogenetics is accelerating rapidly, ushering in a new era of discovery.

Dr. Ümit Atasever emphasized the importance of early diagnosis

Dr. Ümit Atasever from Kocaeli University Faculty of Health Sciences presented on “Sense of Smell and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Role of Olfactory Biomarkers in Early Diagnosis.” Atasever emphasized the importance of early detection in Alzheimer’s and shared studies suggesting that olfactory dysfunction could serve as a valuable biomarker.

Prof. Ayşe Filiz Koç shared recent als research findings

Joining the summit online, Prof. Ayşe Filiz Koç from Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine gave a presentation titled “Genetics and Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),” in which she shared the latest research findings related to ALS.

Prof. İsmail Hakkı ulus shared his research on synaptogenesis-based therapies

Prof. İsmail Hakkı Ulus from Okan University’s Department of Medical Pharmacology delivered a presentation titled “A New Approach to Neurodegenerative Diseases: Synaptogenesis-Enhancing Therapies.” He reflected on his past and current research, illustrating his points with practical examples.

Following the presentations, Neuroscience Club President Hatice Melda Uyanık presented thank-you certificates and flowers to the speakers.

The summit concluded with a group photo.

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)