Podcast: MDS PODCAST: Defining Parkinson's disease

MDS Podcast Neurotrophic factors to restore dopaminergic terminals in Parkinson’s disease: A viral vector-delivered genetic therapy

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,…

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MDS Podcast Do social workers play a role in preoperative evaluation for DBS?

Ms. Nicole Duff and Dr. Amanda Currie discuss the potential role of the social worker in deep brain stimulation (DBS) and the work of Dr. Currie’s team in creating a simple pneumonic that could be used to determine whether a social worker’s involvement would be beneficial to DBS patients. They also discuss the clinical implications…

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MDS Podcast Surprise neuropathological findings in LRRK2 mutation carriers

Mutations in LRRK2 are a common cause of familial and sporadic Parkinson’s. Though clinical features resemble typical PD, about half of cases lack Lewy pathology. Doctors Hiroaki Sekiya and Nanna Møller Jensen discuss their recent studies on the neuropathology of LRRK2-PD patients. They dive into their methods and how proximity ligation assays may compare to…

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MDS Podcast Artificial intelligence in the diagnostic approach of chronic ataxias

Dr. Hugo Morales interviews Drs. Malco Rossi and Lucas Alessandro about their work on an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to aid in the diagnosis of chronic ataxias. They discuss how the assistant performed when put to the test, evaluating its diagnostic accuracy head-to-head against movement disorder experts. Journal CME is available until May 21, 2026…

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MDS Podcast Prime editing – A future therapy for cortical myoclonus?

Prof. Marina de Koning-Tijssen interviews Prof. Sabine Fuchs on the potential of prime editing as a future therapy for cortical myoclonus. This exciting new development holds promise for the treatment of rare genetic disorders such as GOSR2. In the interview, Prof. Fuchs provides valuable insights into the science and potential applications of this groundbreaking technique.

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MDS Podcast History of Movement Disorders: The story of MPTP and parkinsonism

In this episode, Prof. Tiago Outeiro interviews Prof. William Langston on the intriguing history of drug addicts manifesting parkinsonism in the 1980s, and how MPTP became a tool compound for modeling certain aspects of Parkinson’s disease.

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MDS Podcast Myoclonus dystonia: Motor & non-motor symptoms and the effect of DBS

Prof. Marina de Koning-Tijssen interviews Prof. Kathryn Peall about her expertise on a topic that lies at the heart of her work: Myoclonus dystonia. We’ll hear her insights on both the motor and non-motor challenges faced by patients, and how deep brain stimulation is reshaping treatment possibilities.

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MDS Podcast Genetic testing in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease

In this episode, we explore the role of genetics and genetic testing in the decision-making and outcome of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease with two experts in the field: Dr. David Arkadir and Dr. Saar Anis. This interview is also available in the text format within the MDS Scientific Issues: Read the issue

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MDS Podcast Is propriospinal myoclonus a functional movement disorder?

In this episode, Prof. Marina de Koning-Tijssen interviews Prof. Mark Edwards. Together they delve into both the clinical and electrophysiological aspects of propriospinal myoclonus, and explore the distinguishing features and current treatment options for functional movement disorders.

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