MDS Podcast

Dr. Andrew Siderowf, Hertig Stern Professor of Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania, dives into the evolving landscape of Parkinson's disease research. He discusses the prominence of alpha-synuclein biomarkers and their implications for diagnosis and treatment. The conversation highlights innovative methods like skin-based assays and imaging biomarkers. Siderowf also explores the future of treatment, including the impact of artificial intelligence on therapeutic strategies and the complexity of the disease beyond synuclein pathology.

Prof. Brit Mollenhauer, Chair of the Movement Disorders Hospital in Germany, dives into the world of biomarker research and its impact on neurodegenerative diseases. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists, arguing that MDS's diversity can enhance innovation. The discussion touches on how environmental factors and climate change relate to these diseases. Mollenhauer also explores the multifunctional role of alpha-synuclein, revealing its intriguing potential beyond just neurodegeneration.

Victor Fung, the President of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, discusses his vision for equality in healthcare access and amplifying patient engagement. He shares insights on eliminating disparities in treatment globally and emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in organizational activities. The conversation delves into redefining Parkinson’s disease by integrating clinical and biological perspectives. Fung also outlines strategic initiatives for the future of movement disorders, highlighting plans for a major meeting in 2025.

The last full day of #mdscongress 2024 was packed full of sessions and other activities. Prof. Huw Morris dives into the learnings from the day and recollects the excitement surrounding the much-loved Video Challenge.

Informative plenaries, exciting grand rounds and a historical faculty dinner filled the third day of the #mdscongress. Prof. Irena Rektorova shares her favorite moments and key takeaways.

The second day of #mdscongress was filled with various sessions and activities, including the presidential lectures & networking events. Dr. Michiko Bruno shares her appreciation for MDS camaraderie, and which sessions caught her eye.

Dr. Davide Martino, a neurology expert, shares riveting insights from the first day of the MDS Congress. He delves into groundbreaking treatments for early Parkinson’s disease and the evolving role of device-aided therapies. The discussion touches on the integration of alternative medicine and the changing dynamics of levodopa use. Dr. Martino also highlights the significance of care teams in underserved areas and the promising impact of artificial intelligence on movement disorders, alongside emotional moments from an inspiring opening ceremony.

Professor Günther Deuschl, a movement disorders expert, and Dr. Robin Wolke, a researcher on levodopa, delve into groundbreaking insights from their award-winning article. They discuss the pivotal role of levodopa responsiveness in predicting outcomes of subthalamic deep brain stimulation. The conversation highlights challenges in patient selection and advocates for personalized medicine to enhance treatment effectiveness, particularly for freezing symptoms. Their research emphasizes the heterogeneous nature of Parkinson's disease and the need for tailored treatment strategies.

Dr. Jennifer Goldman, an expert in Parkinson's disease research, shares her insights on subjective cognitive complaints and their prevalence in the condition. She discusses the complex relationship between these complaints and neuropsychiatric symptoms, highlighting gender differences and treatment implications. The conversation also delves into how educational background might influence awareness of cognitive issues, and the critical disconnect between subjective experiences and objective cognitive assessments. Goldman emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluations to effectively address these challenges.

Dr. Bahne Bahners, a 2024 MDS Junior Award Winner, discusses the path that led him to his chosen research topic and award. He shares the results of this novel investigation that studies the electrophysiological fingerprint of STN DBS clinical outcomes using local field potential and magnetoencephalography recordings.