Saskatoon Parkinson's pioneer hosts international gathering
Last Updated: Monday, September 1, 2008 | 2:46 PM CT
CBC News
Some of the world's leading researchers into Parkinson's disease were in Saskatoon over the weekend to share information on the search for a cure for the deadly condition.
Dr. Ali Rajput of the University of Saskatchewan convened the gathering of scientists from as far away Vienna.
Rajput is one of Canada's top neurologists and has been treating Parkinson's patients for more than 40 years.
He says medical science is much closer to a firmer understanding of Parkinson's, thanks to the presence of so many top experts sharing information in Saskatoon.
"We showed them what we do, and what resources we have," Rajput said, "so now that means we are onto bigger collaboration, wider collaboration, across Canada and hopefully bigger things will come from that."
These possible breakthroughs include methods of earlier detection of the disease and ways to slow its progress, Rajput said.
The scientists also wanted to see the Saskatoon neurologist's collection of samples from decades of treating Parkinson's patients.
"They tell me, you have a brain bank, and I said, no, I don't have a brain bank. You know the difference between a bank and a safety deposit? Unless I have seen the patient, I don't study the brain," said Rajput.
Five other scientists are also working in Saskatoon on similar projects, he said, and this past weekend's gathering was of immense benefit to the province's research community.
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the human central nervous system. It is regarded as incurable but can be treated with a combination of therapy, medication and counselling.
