BCHS physician to speak on new developments in arthritis treatment
 BCHS physician to speak on new developments in arthritis treatment
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in adults and is among the leading conditions causing work limitations. Over the next 25 years, the number of people affected by arthritis is projected to increase by 40%.
Dr. Thomas Ignaczak, a rheumatologist will speak on the topic of arthritis and new approaches in treatment on Wednesday, January 30 at Burnham Brook Center. Senior Health Partners presents the program as part of its 'Aging Well' series, which is free to the public.
A light luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Ignaczak's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling Senior Health Partners at (269) 441-0948.
Over 46 million Americans age 18 years or older (almost 22% of this population) report that they have been diagnosed with an arthritic condition by a physician. This number is projected to increase to nearly 67 million by the year 2030. Nearly 19 million persons in the U.S. have limitations of activities attributable to arthritis. Activity limitations are higher in older age groups, affecting more than 22% of all adults 65 years of age or older. This outcome is projected to increase to 25 million by the year 2030.
The high population prevalence of arthritis and its effect on activity translates to a significant personal and societal burden. Early medical intervention for the most severe types of arthritis can favorably affect the outcomes of these diseases. Those types of arthritis, which cause significant inflammation and destruction in the joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, are often responsive to newer therapies.
Advances in molecular biology have directly led to the generation of a new class of medications, the biological response modifiers, capable of targeting inflammatory cells and mediators of inflammation. These new agents can limit the symptoms and halt the progression of inflammatory arthritis to a level that has been previously possible. Such treatments are not without risk and require a solid diagnosis as well as careful follow-up for potential complications.
Osteoarthritis remains the most common type of arthritis in the senior population; as of 2008, no treatments have yet been found to slow the course of the osteoarthritis. There are, however, several strategies for minimizing the impact of osteoarthritis on the most commonly affected joints such as the fingers, the base of the thumbs and the knees.
Dr. Ignaczak will review in his presentation the typical symptoms, diagnosis and approaches to treatment of arthritis. Ample time will be left for questions and answers.
Senior Health Partners, a collaboration of Battle Creek Health System, Burnham Brook Center, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties. For more information about senior programs, visit the Burnham Brook web site at http://www.burnhambrook.com , or call (269) 441-0948.
About the Presenter:
Thomas F. Ignaczak M.D. received his medical degree from The Ohio State University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and received rheumatology training at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland and the University of Michigan.
Dr. Ignaczak is board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and has a consultative rheumatology practice located at Associated Internal Medicine Specialists, in Battle Creek, Michigan.
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