MDS Podcast

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New data to reframe the risks of DBS surgery for patients and providers Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

Myths and misconceptions related to the surgical risks of deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures remain common despite many years of evidence demonstrating its relative safety. This leads to both patient and provider fear in referring eligible patients for consideration of a potentially life-altering therapy for symptom management in many movement disorders. Dr. Mitra Afshari speaks to functional neurosurgeon, Dr. Chengyuan Wu, about a recent large retrospective study he conducted comparing risks of DBS surgery to other common elective surgeries. They also bring in the perspective of DBS specialist, Dr. Delaram Safarpour, who recently published expert consensus recommendations for referral of Parkinson’s disease patients for DBS. Listen in on the lively discussion of how we can reframe this conversation with our patients and colleagues.
Read the retrospective study.
Read the expert consensus recommendations.

Neurotrophic factors to restore dopaminergic terminals in Parkinson's disease: A viral vector-delivered genetic therapy Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Could gene therapy with neurotrophic factors help restore dopaminergic terminals in Parkinson’s disease? Dr. Michele Matarazzo speaks with Dr. Amber Van Laar about her team’s Phase 1b trial of AAV2–GDNF gene therapy delivered directly to the putamen. They discuss the preclinical evidence for GDNF, how advanced delivery techniques and higher putamen coverage may overcome past challenges, and the encouraging early results in moderate Parkinson’s. The conversation also explores lessons from previous trials, safety outcomes, and the path forward.
Journal CME is available until June 25, 2026
Read the article.

New genes and technologies for movement disorder genetics • 2024 MDS Congress Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Kishore Kumar shares the new genes associated with Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and ataxia. He also shares how new technologies, like long read sequencing, can assist in finding epigenetic changes.

Neurovascular health and Lewy body disorders, where is the connection? Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

Studies have shown a close interplay between the cerebrovascular system and neurodegeneration. But what is the current evidence, and how can it help us better understand the pathophysiology of Lewy body disorders and potentially change their course? In this episode, Dr. Michele Matarazzo interviews Prof. Sephira Ryman about a recently published review article that explores the complexities of this relationship.
Journal CME is available until August 21, 2025 Read the article.

New loci for Parkinson disease is identified in Latin America cohorts Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Sarah Camargos interviews Dr. Thiago Leal and Dr. Ignacio Mata about the need of genetic studies on underrepresented populations and the technical challenges they faced when alayzing admixture ancestries and X chromosome. Read the article

Neuropsychiatric features of punding and hobbyism in Parkinson's disease Feb 15, 2022

Show notes

Dr. Hugo Morales discusses "Neuropsychiatric Features of Punding and Hobbyism in Parkinson’s Disease," by Dr. Pedro Barbosa et al., from Movement Disorders Clinical Practice. Read the article.

Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease Jan 04, 2021

Show notes

Dr. Mcihele Matarazzo interviews Dr. David Standaert about the review article he recently published on neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease, including the main evidence of its role on the pathogenesis of the disease and how understanding it better may help us discovering new therapeutic targets. Read the article

Neurofilament light chain in Parkinson's disease Nov 20, 2020

Show notes

Dr. Brit Mollenhauer discusses the recent advances in the use of neurofilament light chain for the diagnosis and follow up of Parkinson's disease and related disorders, highlighting the results of a recent longitudinal study. Read the article

New technologies in movement disorders | Congress 2019 Nov 06, 2019

Show notes

As part of the MDS Congress 2019 Special Issue, Dr. Matarazzo interviews Dr. Alberto Espay about technology in movement disorders, highlighting recent advances and the goal of the MDS to create a platform that will combine technology-based data and e-diaries.

Neuroimaging in movement disorders | Congress 2019 Oct 24, 2019

Show notes

As part of the MDS Congress 2019 Special Issue, Dr. Sara Schaefer interviews Dr. Antonio Strafella about the emerging research in neuroimaging in movement disorders and plans to establish a centralized database for neuroimaging in atypical parkinsonisms.

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