Jürgen Drews is terminally ill
Polyneuropathy – how does the disease manifest itself?
04.12.2024Reading time: 2 min.
Pop star Jürgen drews was diagnosed with polyneuropathy a few years ago. How the nerve disease manifests itself and how those affected can be helped.
Joelina Drews recently attracted attention with open words about her father Jürgen Drews‘ illness.The pop star, known as the “King of Mallorca,” suffers from polyneuropathy, a nerve disease.
The diagnosis led to Drews stepping away from the spotlight two years ago. but an Instagram clip that has now been published shows the musician laughing and active - despite his diagnosis (more on that here). A reason to take a closer look at the disease.
Polyneuropathy is a disease in which peripheral nerves – the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord – are damaged. The result: nerve impulses are no longer transmitted properly,which can led to a wide variety of complaints. Sensory nerves that are responsible for sensations such as touch, heat or cold are usually affected.
The disease frequently enough occurs after the age of 65. The risk groups notably include people with diabetes or high alcohol consumption.But other factors can also trigger polyneuropathy.
The symptoms of polyneuropathy vary greatly. They usually start on the feet or toes and slowly progress upwards. Typical are:
In rare cases,internal organs are also affected,which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias,digestive problems or bladder emptying problems.
The most common causes of polyneuropathy include diabetes (type 1 or type 2) and long-term excessive alcohol consumption. However, there are also many other causes. These cannot always be found out with certainty.
In the case of Jürgen Drews, the exact cause is not known. His daughter describes the disease as “slowly progressive,” which is typical of many forms of polyneuropathy.
Which therapy is the right one for polyneuropathy depends primarily on whether the cause of the disease can be resolute.The main goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms of the nerve disease as much as possible and prevent it from getting worse.
Medications are ofen used, including active ingredients from the group of antiepileptic drugs (such as gabapentin, pregabalin) or antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, duloxetine). Painkillers such as ibuprofen are usually less effective. Additionally,physical therapy can help counteract muscle weakness and pain.
What are the common symptoms of polyneuropathy and how do they affect daily life?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview today, where we delve into the complexities of health and disease. Joining us is Dr. Anna Lichtenstein, a renowned neurologist specializing in neuropathies. We’ll be discussing the recent news about Jürgen Drews, who has been diagnosed with terminal polyneuropathy. Thank you for being here, dr. Lichtenstein.
Dr. Anna Lichtenstein: thank you for having me. It’s an crucial topic,especially given its increasing prevalence in the population.
editor: Absolutely. First, could you explain what polyneuropathy is and how it manifests in patients?
Dr. Lichtenstein: Polyneuropathy is a condition that results from damage to multiple peripheral nerves. This can lead to a range of symptoms including numbness,tingling,pain,and weakness. Patients frequently enough experience these sensations in their extremities, making it challenging to walk or manage daily activities. In severe cases, like with Jürgen Drews, it can become life-altering and terminal.
Editor: Hearing about Jürgen Drews’s situation is heartbreaking. What are the underlying causes of polyneuropathy that one should be aware of?
Dr. Lichtenstein: Polyneuropathy can be caused by various factors, including diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to toxins. It can also arise idiopathically, meaning the exact cause is not known. In Jürgen’s case, it’s important to consider how his other health conditions might have contributed to the development of this terminal state.
Editor: It sounds complex.For those diagnosed with such a condition, what is the typical course of treatment or management?
dr. Lichtenstein: Management focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. This could include medications for pain relief, physical therapy to maintain mobility, and, in some cases, treating underlying causes like diabetes. However, when the disease is advanced and terminal, the focus may shift more toward palliative care.
Editor: Palliative care seems essential for individuals in Jürgen’s situation.How does this approach differ from curative treatment?
Dr. Lichtenstein: palliative care aims to provide relief from symptoms and stress, rather than attempting to cure the illness. It’s about improving the quality of life for both the patient and their families, which can frequently enough be overlooked in customary medical care. For terminal cases, this approach becomes crucial to ensure comfort and dignity.
Editor: Thank you for that clarification.In your experience, how do patients and families cope with a diagnosis like this?
Dr. Lichtenstein: Coping with such news is incredibly challenging.Patients often go through stages of grief, and it’s paramount for families to receive support as well. Counseling and support groups can be helpful resources. Open and honest communication about the prognosis and what to expect can help families prepare emotionally and practically.
Editor: It’s a delicate matter. As we conclude, what message would you like to share with our audience regarding diseases like polyneuropathy?
Dr. lichtenstein: I’d like to stress the importance of awareness and understanding of neuropathic conditions. Early detection and appropriate management can considerably impact quality of life, even in terminal cases. We should also emphasize compassion towards those affected, as they face battles most of us cannot imagine.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lichtenstein, for shedding light on this critical issue. Your insights are invaluable, and we hope they inspire greater empathy and support for those affected by such conditions.
Dr. Lichtenstein: Thank you for having this important conversation. It’s essential that we continue to educate and advocate for those facing health challenges.