Senior lectures in Giessen: Health topics for everyone!

Senior lectures in Giessen: Health topics for everyone!

The next series of senior lectures in the Department of Medicine will begin on April 29, 2025 at the Justus Liebig University of Giessen, organized by Prof. Bettina Kemkes-Matthes. These lectures are held in cooperation with the UKGM Giessen and offer an important platform for education and discussion about medical topics that affect many seniors.

The opening lecture by Prof. Dr. will be on the topic of “Diseases of the Urinary Bladder”. med. Florian Wagenlehner held. In Germany, an estimated 10 percent of the population is affected by incontinence, although the issue is often stigmatized in the older population. Women are particularly affected, especially after the age of 80, where around 40 percent of women struggle with it. Those affected often withdraw and do not talk about their symptoms, which makes the problem even worse.

Program of lectures

The senior lectures take place every Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. in the large lecture hall of the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Aulweg 12 in Gießen. The following lectures are on the program:

• 6. Mai 2025: „Selbsthilfe-Unterstützung in Gießen“ von Florian Czieschinski
• 20. Mai 2025: „Mit Geschmack gegen Harnwegsinfekte“ von PD Dr. Klaus Deckmann
• 3. Juni 2025: „Endlich wieder frei atmen – der lange Weg zur Lungentransplantation“ von Prof. Dr. Andreas Hecker
• 10. Juni 2025: „Wurzelkaries & Co: Wie Sie Ihre Zähne auch im Alter gesund halten“ von Prof. Dr. Carolina Ganß
• 17. Juni 2025: „Spuren im Haar – Forensisch-toxikologische Haaranalysen“ von Prof. Dr. Sven Hartwig
• 1. Juli 2025: „Probleme der Vulva – was Sie schon immer wissen wollten, aber nie zu fragen wagten“ von Dr. Maryam En-Nosse
• 15. Juli 2025: „30 Jahre Herzinsuffizienztherapie – eine Erfolgsgeschichte?“ von Prof. Dr. med. Samuel Sosalla

The lectures are recorded and are subsequently available online. Those interested can find further information on the University of Giessen website.

Incontinence in old age

Incontinence, defined as involuntary loss of urine, affects people of all ages, but is particularly common in older people. This disease can have negative effects on social life and sexuality, which is why an open discussion with your family doctor is strongly recommended. A variety of treatment approaches are available, including pelvic floor training, toilet training, and medication if necessary.

Diagnosis often requires a combination of different examinations, including urological or gynecological tests and urodynamic measurements. A micturition diary can be helpful to document the symptoms and their frequency.

The fact that many sufferers remain silent about their complaints shows how important it is to educate people about incontinence. The senior lectures provide an excellent opportunity to spread this knowledge and promote dialogue because incontinence is not part of the natural aging process but can be treated. Medical spectrum explains that early diagnosis and individual therapy are crucial to improve quality of life.

Incontinence is not only a medical but also a social issue that deserves more attention. In the coming lectures, various aspects of health in old age will be discussed, and it is expected that the topic of incontinence will also find space.

The website is for those interested the Justus Liebig University of Giessen a valuable source of information about all lectures and their content.