ME/CFS is a chronic multisystem disease that has a major impact on the daily lives of patients and those close to them. People with ME/CFS may experience severe fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), pain, and cognitive difficulties. Although the disease affects many people, its causes are still not fully understood, and there is currently no single definitive diagnostic test or effective treatment.
This is why ZonMw funds biomedical research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease through its ME/CFS Research Programme. Researchers and people with lived experience work together to increase knowledge and improve healthcare and quality of life for people with ME/CFS.
Putting the Pieces of the Puzzle Together
This documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Dutch ME/CFS Research Programme. Researchers, people with lived experience, and international experts explain why research into ME/CFS is so important and how collaboration can contribute to new insights.
The documentary highlights what makes the research programme unique: close collaboration between different research groups, the active involvement of patients, and strong links with international developments in the field. It also explains how the two Dutch research consortia work together to build knowledge about the causes and course of ME/CFS and to identify potential avenues for diagnosis and treatment.
Watch the documentary and discover how researchers, patients, and international experts are working together to piece together the puzzle of ME/CFS. (Samen de puzzel leggen voor ME/CVS | ZonMw)
Content warning: The opening minutes of this documentary about ME/CFS contain rapidly changing images and loud sounds. Viewers who are sensitive to visual or auditory stimuli are advised to take this into account.
Knowledge for the Future
Many questions about ME/CFS remain unanswered. At the same time, the research programme is building the scientific knowledge base needed to better understand the disease. In the documentary, international experts share their views on the importance of the Dutch research programme and the contribution it can make to ME/CFS research worldwide.
The documentary shows that scientific progress takes time, but also that researchers, patients, and other stakeholders are working together to build greater knowledge, greater recognition, and better prospects for people with ME/CFS.Deze documentaire over ME/CVS bevat in de openingsminuten snelle beelden en harde geluiden. Kijkers die gevoelig zijn voor visuele of auditieve prikkels wordt geadviseerd hier rekening mee te houden.