Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that gradually leads to the loss of memory and cognitive abilities over the years. To gather accurate information, learn about new developments, and offer hope to caregivers, I had the opportunity to visit renowned Neurology Professor Dr. M. Zülküf Önal at his clinic on Cinnah Street in Ankara.
This visit allowed me to step into the world of a neurologist who has achieved international success. Prof. Dr. Önal’s work not only resonates in Turkey but also garners attention in the international media, proving the profound impact he has made.
From the moment you step into the clinic, you are enveloped by a sense of warmth and professionalism. However, what is even more striking is the technology Prof. Dr. Önal employs. The Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) technology, available only at his clinic in Turkey, is seen as a beacon of hope for Alzheimer’s patients.
This technology aims to improve the quality of life, particularly for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. TPS is a non-invasive treatment method that uses low-energy sound waves to help regenerate brain cells, drawing attention as an innovative approach.
Prof. Dr. Önal’s leadership and success in using TPS technology have breathed new life into his patients’ lives.
Innovative Approaches in Alzheimer’s Treatment
During my interview with Prof. Dr. Önal, it became clear just how challenging the journey of treating Alzheimer’s disease is.
Currently, there is no complete cure for this disease, but scientists continue their research on the biology of Alzheimer’s in search of new treatment options. In this field, Prof. Dr. Önal is recognized as a pioneer of innovative treatments on both national and international stages.
Prof. Dr. M. Zülküf Önal: A Fight for Memory
Alzheimer’s disease affects many families and significantly alters individuals’ daily lives. For many years, Prof. Dr. M. Zülküf Önal has been working as a neurologist in Ankara, and more recently, he has become known for his work on Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS). He is a scientist who has paved the way for important research into the biology of Alzheimer’s disease.
Prof. Dr. Önal points out that Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, severely affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities. He stresses the importance of early diagnosis, as many patients and caregivers mistake this condition for normal aging. But what causes Alzheimer’s disease?
Prof. Dr. Önal explains that Alzheimer’s disease stems from a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. “While age is one of the primary risk factors, genetics also plays a crucial role,” he says. Individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease.
However, he doesn’t miss the opportunity to mention the preventative measures one can take against Alzheimer’s: “There are ways to protect brain health,” he says. A healthy lifestyle can slow cognitive decline. “There’s a strong link between brain health and heart health. Cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.”
New Treatment Methods Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zülküf Önal
In recent years, Prof. Dr. Önal notes that anti-amyloid therapies have gained significant importance in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. These therapies are developed to remove beta-amyloid protein, which causes damage to the brain. Treatments like Aducanumab and Lecanemab, in particular, have shown significant progress in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. “These drugs provide meaningful improvements in patients’ cognitive functions and help them maintain their daily activities for longer.”
In addition to these treatments, the TPS therapy that Prof. Dr. Önal works on is also noteworthy. This treatment method, Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS), is applied to patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s and can improve cognitive functions. TPS stimulates the brain’s nerve cells, aiming to strengthen memory and improve the quality of daily life.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Alzheimer’s disease typically starts with mild memory loss but progressively impacts individuals’ daily lives. “Early diagnosis is crucial,” says Önal, emphasizing that when Alzheimer’s is diagnosed early, treatments can begin to slow down the symptoms. According to Önal, “If a person notices significant changes in their memory, reasoning ability, or daily living skills, they should immediately consult a specialist.”
Prof. Dr. Önal’s insights highlight the importance of scientific advancements in treating Alzheimer’s. Innovative methods like TPS and anti-amyloid therapies offer hope for improving the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s in the future.
A New Interview Series on Epilepsy and Parkinson’s is Coming
Following this in-depth interview about Alzheimer’s, I plan to conduct a series of comprehensive interviews with Prof. Dr. Önal on the treatment of Epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. Featuring the views of such an expert with extensive knowledge and experience in neurological diseases is of great importance not only for readers in Ankara but also across Turkey.
Prof. Dr. M. Zülküf Önal’s innovative approach and medical achievements bring hope to Alzheimer’s patients and their families. Visiting such a pioneering figure at the only clinic in Turkey with TPS technology left a deep impression on me as a reporter and increased my admiration for the field of neurology.
Note: Prof. Dr. M. Zülküf Önal, one of the most fascinating neurology professors I have ever met, is incredibly pleasant, humorous, and warm-hearted. However, his serious approach to his work reveals a strong and determined personality. Speaking with him was both an enlightening and thought-provoking experience.
