The 2018 Asian Oceanian Congress of Neurology (AOCN) kicked off its 16th annual conference in Seoul with the slogan of “Exploring New World of Neurology.” AOCN is a global network of 1,700 neurologists from 32 Asian and Oceanian countries.
Under this year’s slogan, AOCN plans to address issues such as the population aging and related illnesses, including stroke, epilepsy, dementia, movement disorders, peripheral neuropathy, headache and dizziness, as well as the introduction of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in neurology.
"We believe that this year’s theme will become a stepping stone for neurology to move into the new age,” said Chung Jin-sang, chairman of Korea Neurological Association (KNA). “There are 46 countries in Asia, and the combined population accounts for 60 percent of the world's population.”
In reality, it has the largest population and pharmaceutical market by continent, he added. Chung stressed that it such reasons are why it is essential for the study of Asians.
The meeting also plans to support other developing countries by providing a support program for 76 medical professionals from 15 countries.
With regards to the aging population, the association noted that the World Health Organization focuses on eradicating infectious diseases in developing countries, but most advanced nations suffer from non-communicable disease (NCD).
Such disease, including brain disease, with the addition of the aging population, is becoming a financial problem for most advanced nations. In light of such issues, the conference discussed topics on the rising fear of neurological diseases and the need for medical professionals to accurately diagnose a patient’s symptoms.
“Many patients are taking too many tests and drugs than needed as the fear of diseases such as Alzheimer's increases,” said Jeon Beom-seok, president of the Asian and Oceania Association of Neurology (AOCN). “There are various advanced imaging methods, and it is necessary to use them when needed.”
However, such methods are often used without a proper diagnosis from a neurological professional, which in turn, puts a financial burden on the patient, he added.
This is up to the association to control and stop such incidents, Jeon said.