Two specialists from the University of Debrecen are also participating in the international action (COST), the aim of which is to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from arthritis and osteoarthritis by combining European research, and technological developments, and speeding up the clinical application of the results. The program, which involves the participation of professionals from 23 countries, lasts four years.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint disorders, which is common primarily in the elderly, it is estimated to affect 10-15 percent of people over 60 years of age, and one-third of patients live with severe disability for the rest of their lives. In the member states of the European Union, the frequency of diagnosed OA varies between 2.8% (Romania) and 18.3% (Hungary), which probably underestimates the real data. The incidence of OA continues to increase due to projected demographic changes, dramatic increases in the aging population, and risk factors such as obesity. According to experts, the disorder increasingly affects the younger generation as well, which is due to the higher incidence of obesity and metabolic syndrome among young people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, and to the increase in the number of injuries related to sports and trauma.
However, through the COST action that has just been launched, it will be possible to coordinate and speed up existing European research, put the results into practice (translation), and create a platform for young researchers that makes the possibility of a research career in this field accessible. The campaign is led by Corné Baatenburg de Jong (Netherlands, ReumaNederland).
Within the society, which includes 23 member countries, Hungary and the University of Debrecen are represented in the Management Committee by assistant professor Csaba Matta (Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Development). Teaching assistant Roland Takács (Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Development) is also a member of the COST campaign. Another Hungarian representative of the Management Committee is Péter Bálint, head physician of the National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy.
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