MDS Podcast

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.

Dr. Marina de Koning Tijssen, the 2024 Stanley Fahn Presidential Lecture Award Winner, discusses her career history and how much she learned just by talking to patients. She also shares her views on the role of AI in the clinic and what legacy she hopes to leave for future movement disorders specialists.

Dr. Virginia Lee is the 2024 C. David Marsden Presidential Lecture Award Winner, renowned for her groundbreaking research on alpha-synuclein in neurodegenerative diseases. She discusses her journey into the field and the critical role of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's. The conversation highlights advancements and challenges in the study of protein aggregation and misfolding. Lee emphasizes the need for collaboration among researchers and inspires the next generation to engage with science, all while navigating the complexities of work-life balance in academia.

For this Hot Topic episode, Prof. Tiago Outeiro talks with Dr. Briana de Miranda about the basic science behind the relationship between pesticides and Parkinson's disease. Together they discuss the possible mechanistic action of these products and how dopaminergic neurons are more susceptible.

Prof. Daniela Berg, a leading researcher in Parkinson's disease, joins Prof. Tiago Outeiro, an expert on pesticides' health impacts. They discuss the alarming 60% rise in Parkinson's cases globally and the significant role of environmental factors over genetics. The conversation explores key pesticides, such as Paraquat and Rotenone, which harm neurons and contribute to disease progression. They highlight regional disparities in recognizing the pesticide-Parkinson's link and emphasize the urgent need for better regulations and public awareness.

Dr. Sara Schaefer interviews Dr. Roberto Erro on the phenotypic characteristics of essential tremor, essential tremor with soft dystonic signs, and tremor combined with dystonia through analysis of The Italian tremor Network (TITAN) data. Read the article.

Dr. Sarah Camargos interviews Dr. Giovanna Zorzi on the outcomes of a cohort of non-degenerative pediatric patients with idiopathic and genetic dystonia who were submitted to GPi-DBS and compares these outcomes with a meta-analysis of the literature. Journal CME is available until July 24, 2025 Read the article.

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.

In this episode, Dr. Joseph Seemiller and Dr. Kelly Mills discuss the changes in cognitive performance in the OFF and ON states during an acute levodopa challenge in a large cohort of patients with Parkinson's disease. Their study's findings suggest divergent complex changes in processing speed and executive function. Read the article »

In this episode, Drs. Gandolfi and Tinazzi discuss how virtual reality can be used as a therapeutic tool to modulate attention in patients with functional motor disorder, while measuring postural control. Read the article »