Manuel Andrack, well-known German writer and TV presenter, passed this week by the Parkinson’s Research Clinic to participate in the Luxembourg Parkinson Study.
The former editor in chief of the Harald Schmidt Show has been involved for several years now in the Jung und Parkinson association. An example was his moderation of the show "JuP Talk " and the charity gala "Dinner & Dance".
Mr. Andrack, what inspires your commitment to help Parkinson’s patients ?
Three years ago I met Rainer Stüber, a young man from Hunsrück, who has Parkinson’s disease. He is the president of the "Jung und Parkinson" association and I was immediately interested in supporting the association.
Now you have decided to get involved also in research, by dedicating your time to actively participate as a control subject. What motivated you to take part in the study and how did your day in the clinic develop ?
I would love to contribute to a better understanding of Parkinson’s disease. The day spent at the Parkinson’s Clinic was interesting, except for the blood test.
In addition to your work as editor and presenter, you also consider yourself a "passionate hiker" and write books about hiking. Particularly the best seller you publishes in 2005, "Du musst wandern" (“You have to hike”). Would you recommend the same to Parkinson's patients?
Of course. Movement is beneficial for all Parkinson’s patients. Hiking is an activity that generally does not require a lot of effort and is hence perfectly suited for Parkinson’s patients.
You are a native of Cologne, but would you have a favorite hiking trail in the Luxembourg ?
I love the Mullerthal region (Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland) and I particularly recommend the hiking trail "Schengen without frontiers".
