ParkinsonNet, the integrated care network for people with Parkinson's in Luxembourg, is constantly evolving. In autumn 2024, new specialists were trained on the specialised care of people with Parkinson's in introductory training courses. This training not only marked the inclusion of additional speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists in the multidisciplinary team, but also the addition of two new professional groups: dieticians and psychologists. The competence network, which was founded in 2018 and has continued to grow since its integration into the Luxembourg healthcare system in September 2023, is thus taking a further step towards comprehensive, multidisciplinary care.
A network for optimal care
Since its foundation, ParkinsonNet aims at offering people with Parkinson's the best possible care. ‘Parkinson's is a complex disease that requires a wide range of specialists to provide patients with the best possible support. By involving dieticians and psychologists, we are specifically complementing our services,’ explains Sylvia Herbrink, Care Management Coordinator at ParkinsonNet. ‘We are delighted to have found experienced colleagues in neuropsychologist Claire Pauly and dieticians Claudine Mertens and Delphine Schumacher, who are willing to get trained as trainers by the Dutch ParkinsonNet International team and to train colleagues in Luxembourg in this role in the future.’ Dietitians, for example, can help support the medication’s effect and alleviate symptoms such as swallowing difficulties by adapting the diet, while psychologists support those affected and their families with the emotional and cognitive challenges of the disease. Furthermore, the team of occupational therapists has also been strengthened with the addition of a new trainer, Joana Valente.
Regional coverage and innovative approaches
The addition of new professionals to the network not only significantly improves regional coverage but also expands access to specialised services. Overall, the number of healthcare professionals in ParkinsonNet has now doubled and includes neurologists, specialised Parkinson's nurses, care managers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists and dieticians. Together with the patient, they coordinate the treatment approaches to provide holistic care. ‘Joining ParkinsonNet means gaining access to specialists whose expertise in turn provides access to the latest scientific findings,’ says Sylvia Herbrink. At the same time, the network focuses on continuous training to ensure that all members are familiar with the latest developments in Parkinson's care. All members meet regularly for further training consisting of mono- and multidisciplinary meetings.
A look into the future
The expansion of ParkinsonNet shows how integrated care approaches can improve patients' quality of life. Since its establishment in the Netherlands over 20 years ago and during its pilot phase in Luxembourg, the network has already proven that a multidisciplinary approach actively involves people with Parkinson's in the treatment of their disease and reduces the number of possible complications such as falls. “We will of course continue to work on integrating new specialists and expanding our competence network, for example with social workers,” concludes Prof. Rejko Krüger, medical coordinator of ParkinsonNet. “ParkinsonNet is more than just a care network - it is a promise to guarantee people with Parkinson's the best possible care in Luxembourg.” With new professionals, a growing care offer and a clear mission, ParkinsonNet remains a pioneer in integrated care.
A complete overview of all ParkinsonNet members can be found here.
If you are interested in joining ParkinsonNet, please do not hesitate to contact us on +352 44 11 66 35 or by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..