MDS Podcast
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Stay up to date on novel, clinically-relevant research findings in Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Each episode of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society podcast discusses a relevant development in the field, including highlighted journal articles and interviews with the authors.
Episodes
- Ataxia Series: Beyond the cerebellum - Non-motor features and multisystem care in genetic ataxias
This episode covers common non-motor symptoms in genetic ataxias, including fatigue, sleep disorders, and cognitive dysfunction, with insights from Dr. Orlando Barsottini and Dr. Christofer Stephen on management approaches.
- Ataxia Series: Neuroimaging patterns not to miss in ataxia
In this MDS Podcast episode, Dr. Orlando Barsottini and Dr. Malco Rossi discuss essential neuroimaging patterns and diagnostic clues for both genetic and sporadic ataxias.
- Ataxia Series: Recognizing sporadic ataxias
Drs. Orlando Barsottini and Divyani Garg discuss the main forms of sporadic ataxias and how to approach their diagnosis on the MDS Podcast. They cover essential steps not to miss in the diagnostic process.
- Ataxia Series: Deconstructing late-onset idiopathic ataxia
Dr. Orlando Barsottini and Dr. José Luiz Pedroso discuss the challenges neurologists face with late-onset cerebellar ataxias, covering new investigative advances and the identification of novel genes.
- Ataxia Series: The ataxia exam - Phenomenology, classification, and a practical diagnostic roadmap
This episode features Drs. Orlando Barsottini and Bart van de Warrenburg discussing the neurological examination and classification of ataxias. They cover rational etiological investigation and the use of clinical assessments for diagnosis.
- Distinguishing functional from idiopathic dystonia: A novel approach
This episode features Dr. Michele Matarazzo and Prof. Roberto Eleopra discussing a pilot study that utilized poly-EMG during propofol sedation to help distinguish between functional and idiopathic dystonia. They explored the study's design…
- CSF proenkephalin as a biomarker for premotor Huntington's disease
Drs. Mena Farag and Eduardo de Pablo-Fernández discuss the role of CSF proenkephalin and other biomarkers in identifying and monitoring the earliest, premotor stages of Huntington's disease.
- Effects of a probiotic on Parkinson's disease symptoms
Drs. Sara Schaefer, Valentina Leta, and Ray Chaudhuri discuss their randomized controlled trial on the effects of probiotic use on inflammation, motor, and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Journal CME is available.
- A lifetime of experiences and learnings - MDS 40th Anniversary
For the MDS 40th Anniversary, Dr. Michele Matarazzo spoke with Dr. Cynthia Comella and Dr. Oscar Gershanik. They shared insights on their engagement with the MDS Pan-American section, accomplishments, and its significance to their careers…
- Collegiality and friendship - MDS 40th Anniversary
For the MDS 40th Anniversary, Dr. Michele Matarazzo speaks with Prof. Carolyn Sue and Prof. Beomseok Jeon about early movement disorder leaders and the society's evolution.
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in CSF1R-related disorder
Prof. Fanny Mochel reviews a retrospective study on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for CSF1R-related disorder. The therapy shows potential for stabilizing the condition clinically and radiologically.
- Breaking down functional movement disorders • 2025 MDS Congress
Professor Selma Aybek presented on functional movement disorders (FMDs) at the 2025 MDS Congress. The discussion covered current trends, controversies, and treatment preferences for FMDs, emphasizing the implementation of an interdisciplin…
- Current microbiome research for Parkinson's disease • 2025 MDS Congress
Prof. Paul Wilmes reviews recent studies on the gut microbiome's influence on Parkinson's disease, referencing his #mdscongress talk. He also explores future research goals and potential beneficial interventions for PD.
- Current status of functional neurosurgery • 2025 MDS Congress
Professor Jill Ostrem shared updates on functional neurosurgery at the 2025 MDS Congress, highlighting breakthroughs and specifically discussing adaptive DBS.
- Achievements and future goals: An interview with MDS President • 2025 MDS Congress
Dr. Victor Fung shares reflections on his accomplishments during his term as MDS President and discusses his future aspirations for the Society and the MDS Congress.
- Current genetic landscape for movement disorders • 2025 MDS Congress
Dr. Gerard Saranza reviews the current genetic landscape for movement disorders, including recent discoveries and technologies, and anticipates future changes relevant to the 2025 MDS Congress.
- Current landscape of pediatric movement disorders • 2025 MDS Congress
Dr. Shekeeb Mohammad reviews the current state of pediatric movement disorders, highlighting the field's growth due to genetic advancements and suggesting learning pathways for adult neurologists.
- Disease modification and Parkinson’s disease: Clinical trial design and population selection • 2025 MDS Congress
Prof. Tanya Simuni reviews the history and challenges of disease-modifying trials for Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the need for biological definitions and effective clinical trial design.
- Decoding epilepsy dyskinesia syndrome: Clinical clues and genotypic spectrum
This episode features Dr. Darius Ebrahimi-Fakhari discussing epilepsy dyskinesia syndrome (EDS). The discussion includes findings from a multinational study with over 600 patients from 25 countries.
- Do social workers play a role in preoperative evaluation for DBS?
Nicole Duff and Dr. Amanda Currie discuss the potential role of social workers in deep brain stimulation (DBS) preoperative evaluations. They examine Dr. Currie's team's work on a mnemonic to determine the benefit of social worker involvem…
- Artificial intelligence in the diagnostic approach of chronic ataxias
MDS Podcast features Drs. Malco Rossi and Lucas Alessandro discussing their AI-powered virtual assistant for diagnosing chronic ataxias. The episode covers the assistant's performance and diagnostic accuracy compared to human experts.
- Genetic testing in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease
This episode discusses the significance of genetics and genetic testing in the context of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease, featuring insights from experts Dr. David Arkadir and Dr. Saar Anis. The interview is also accessible…
- Differential diagnosis of myoclonus
Dr. Christos Ganos explains to Prof. Marina de Koning-Tijssen how to differentiate myoclonus-related jerky movements through clinical history and examination, covering various body parts.
- Electrophysiology with a focus on cortical myoclonus
Professors Marina de Koning-Tijssen, Anna Latorre, and Shabbir Merchant discuss electrophysiology, focusing on cortical myoclonus and its clinical applications. The conversation also covers the relationship between cortical myoclonus and e…
- Celebrating the Parkinson's community
This World Parkinson's Day episode of MDS Podcast features Dr. Michele Matarazzo and John Dean. They highlight the support provided by care partners, allied health professionals, and the Parkinson's community to individuals living with the…
- Gender differences in DBS decision making
Dr. Michelle Fullard and Dr. Sara Schaefer explore the differences and similarities in how men and women with Parkinson's disease approach the decision-making process for deep brain stimulation surgery.
- GLP-1 agonists in Parkinson’s disease: New evidence, new questions?
MDS Podcast features Dr. Michele Matarazzo interviewing Prof. Tom Foltynie about the phase 3 clinical trial of exenatide for Parkinson's disease, published in The Lancet. They discuss the disappointing findings and ongoing analyses to unde…
- Are hyposmia and REM sleep behavior disorder reliable indicators of Lewy body pathology?
This episode explores the predictive value of hyposmia and REM sleep behavior disorder for Lewy body pathology, discussing their role as potential clinical biomarkers for Parkinson's disease diagnosis.
- Combined habit reversal and acceptance and commitment therapies for tics
Dr. Jennifer Eisenhauer discusses a combined habit reversal and acceptance and commitment therapy approach for adult patients with tics with Dr. Sara Schaefer. They explore the therapies, their effects on tics, and future research on effic…
- Focused ultrasound for cervical dystonia
Dr. Shiro Horisawa details recent clinical trial findings for MR-guided focused ultrasound pallidothalamic tractotomy in treating cervical dystonia. The discussion covers the procedure's current constraints, potential future applications,…
- Defining Parkinson's disease: where we are, where we are headed
Dr. Michele Matarazzo interviews Dr. Victor Fung about the biological definition and classification of Parkinson's disease, covering current insights and future directions.
- An online mindfulness-based group intervention for tics
Dr. Hannah E. Reese and Mr. W. Alan Brown review their pilot study examining a mindfulness-based group intervention for tic disorders, which was developed in collaboration with patients. Journal CME is offered.
- Better understanding functional movement disorders • 2024 MDS Congress
Dr. Alexander Lehn explains functional movement disorders, detailing brain processes, potential risk factors, and upcoming treatments and clinical trials.
- Biomarkers and basic science research • 2024 MDS Congress
Prof. Brit Mollenhauer highlights the importance of basic science research, including biomarkers, and emphasizes how the diversity of MDS can enhance collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists.
- Genetic dystonias and understanding molecular pathways • 2024 MDS Congress
Professor Michael Zech reviews his talk on gene discovery in dystonia at the 2024 MDS Congress. He details how recent findings enhance understanding of the condition's pathophysiology, potentially leading to better patient care and treatme…
- Essential tremor and dystonia: the TITAN study
Dr. Sara Schaefer discusses the TITAN study with Dr. Roberto Erro, focusing on the phenotypic characteristics of essential tremor, essential tremor with dystonic signs, and combined tremor and dystonia based on data from The Italian Tremor…
- Disentangling the Cognitive Effects of Acute Levodopa in Parkinson's Disease
This episode of the MDS Podcast features Dr. Joseph Seemiller and Dr. Kelly Mills discussing their study on the cognitive effects of levodopa in Parkinson's disease patients. The findings indicate complex changes in processing speed and ex…
- Exploring postural control in functional motor disorders using virtual reality
Drs. Gandolfi and Tinazzi discuss the application of virtual reality in managing functional motor disorder. The episode details how VR can modulate patient attention and measure postural control.
- A post-hoc analysis of the Prasinezumab trial in early Parkinson's disease
Dr. Gennaro Pagano discusses a post-hoc analysis of the PASADENA trial, which investigated the monoclonal antibody Prasinezumab for early Parkinson's disease. The analysis observed differences in motor progression trajectories between pati…
- Do subjective cognitive complaints predict future incident cognitive impairment in people with Parkinson's disease?
In this episode, Dr. Eduardo Fernández and Dr. Daniel Weintraub explore whether subjective cognitive complaints in individuals with Parkinson's disease can predict future cognitive impairment. The discussion references Dr. Weintraub’s publ…
- Functional Tic-Like Behaviors: A Common Comorbidity in Patients with Tourette Syndrome
Dr. Müller-Vahl discusses a retrospective study on Tourette syndrome and functional tic-like behaviors. The study examined key differentiating features and found comorbidity to be more common than previously believed.
- Chorea Series: Exploring medical and surgical management for chorea
Profs. Elena Moro and Ruth Walker explore the management of chorea, detailing surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation for Huntington's disease alongside medical approaches.
- CSF1R-related disorder in China
Drs. Xiaojun Huang and Jingying Wu discuss the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of CSF1R-related disorder in China, including unique clinical and radiographic features. Journal CME is available.
- Chorea Series: Approach to patients with acquired choreas
Drs. Ruth Walker and Molly Cincotta review the etiologies of acquired chorea and outline a systematic approach to evaluating patients who present with this neurological disorder.
- Chorea Series: Update on therapies for Huntington's disease
Dr. Ruth Walker interviews Prof. Sarah Tabrizi about the current state and future pipeline of therapies for Huntington’s disease, as part of the Chorea Special Series.
- A new pathway to find structural variations in inherited neurological cases - the SCA4 example
The podcast episode features Dr. Zhonghbo Chen and Prof. Henry Houlden discussing their research on spinocerebellar ataxia type 4, focusing on a GGC repeat expansion in the ZFHX3 gene. They detail a new methodology used to identify the gen…
- Chorea Series: Approach to patients with genetic choreas
On the MDS Podcast, Prof. Emilia Gatto and Dr. Kevin Peikert discuss the diagnostic approach for patients experiencing genetic choreas. They cover clinical and laboratory clues, as well as the nomenclature of neuroacanthocytosis syndromes.
- Concomitant pathologies and their clinical impact in multiple system atrophy
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez and Dr. Hiroapo Sekiya discuss research on concomitant pathologies and their effect on the progression of Multiple System Atrophy.
- Chorea Series: Phenomenology of Chorea
Prof. Joseph Jankovic discusses the phenomenology of chorea and his approach to the clinical examination of patients with chorea in an interview with guest editor Dr. Ruth Walker.
- Biomarker Updates: A conversation on biomarkers and diagnostics of Parkinson's disease and related disorders
Dr. David Burn and Prof. Tiago Outeiro discuss diagnostic and progression biomarkers for Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonism, and their potential impact on clinical practice. The conversation was recorded at the MDS-ES Focused Wo…