The rheumatoid arthritis awareness campaign is back “pARla stronger than your AR“, promoted by AbbVie with the patronage of the National Association of Rheumatic Patients (Anmar) and the National Association of People with Rheumatological and Rare Diseases (Apmarr). The initiative was created with the aim of promoting collaboration and proactive dialogue between the patient and the rheumatologist specialist to achieve treatment goals and try to improve the quality of life.
“With this new information initiative we renew our commitment to rheumatology in favor of people with rheumatoid arthritis – he declares Fabrizio GrecoCEO of AbbVie Italy – For years our experience in immunology allows us to develop innovative therapies, but our commitment goes beyond the drug and is focused on the entire treatment path even with projects such as ‘Speak louder than your RA’, able to provide the best possible support during all stages of the disease“.” In Europe almost 3 million people live with rheumatoid arthritis – underlines Carlo Salvarani, director of the complex structure of rheumatology of the S. Maria Nuova hospital in Reggio Emilia -. A pathology that has a strong impact on the patient because it causes intense joint pain and progressive and irreversible damage with disabling consequences “.
The “speak louder than your AR” campaign consists of a website, a social campaign and various medical awareness initiatives. On www.missioneremissione.it it is possible to find a wealth of information on rheumatoid arthritis and useful advice on its daily management, as well as a questionnaire and a downloadable guide that support the patient in his dialogue with the rheumatologist. The site is now enriched with new content and video insights with rheumatologists, nutritionists, psychologists, physiatrists and cognitive behavioral therapy specialists. “All patients should be active protagonists of their own treatment path – says Roberto Gorla, rheumatologist, Spedali Civili di Brescia – undertaking an empathic relationship with their rheumatologist specialist to improve the quality of life and the management of the disease towards the achievement of main objective: remission “.
People with rheumatoid arthritis “can play a central role in the management of their disease – he assures Serena Guiducci, associate professor of Rheumatology, director of Rheumatology of the Careggi Hospital, University of Florence -. This pathology is characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints with consequent loss of muscle mass. With an adequate program of physical activity it is possible to obtain many beneficial effects without aggravating joint damage and, therefore, the disease“. In Italy, rheumatoid arthritis affects about 300,000 people and about 5,000 new cases are recorded every year (4-13 per 100,000 men and 13-36 per 100,000 women). The disease can occur at any age, most commonly between the ages of 40 and 70, although the peak of onset of symptoms occurs between the ages of 35 and 45.
“Clinical remission”, Ie the absence of signs and symptoms and the inflammatory activity of the chronic immune-mediated inflammatory pathology that causes pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of joint function. “must be the primary goal in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and also involves a frank and direct dialogue with your doctor – points out Massimiliano CazzatoHospital Medical Director, Pisana University Hospital – which can help in the path towards a life free from the burden of disease. “Patients in remission – reads a note from AbbVie – can enjoy a better quality of life, greater functionality and a higher working capacity than patients with low disease activity. Although rheumatoid arthritis is not yet curable, it is now a potentially manageable disease. Prompt diagnosis and targeted therapies are essential to counteract the progression of the disease, allowing, in a high percentage of cases, clinical remission, which means effective disease control and reduction or disappearance of symptoms.
“Clinical remission of the disease is a possible goal for most patients thanks to timely diagnosis, effective treatment and an optimal and continuous therapeutic strategy – has no doubts Silvia Tonolo, president of Anmarr -. But it is also essential to promote proactive dialogue and collaboration between patient and rheumatologist to arrive at a shared care strategy that defines treatment goals. “” When sustained over time, remission allows the patient to resume a normal life from the point of view. in view of the symptoms, with a return to full working and social efficiency “concludes Antonella Celano, president of Apmarr.
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