MDS Podcast

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.

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For many years ataxias, especially the genetic forms, were considered untreatable diseases. In this episode Dr. Orlando Barsottini and Dr. Liana Rosenthal discuss the new advances in the treatment of ataxias and perspectives for the future.

Prodromal autonomic dysfunction has emerged as an important area of research in understanding Lewy body diseases, including Parkinson's disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Dr. Michelle Matarazzo sits down with three experts in the field, Dr. Abhimanyu Mahajan, Dr. Alison Yarnall, and Dr. David Goldstein to discuss the current evidence behind various disturbances and how they may precede classic motor and cognitive symptoms, such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urinary, and thermoregulatory disturbances. Together they discuss how these early non-motor manifestations may be considered integral features of the disease process.
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Genetic ataxias have many non-motor features, such as fatigue, sleep disorders, and cognitive dysfunction. In this episode, Dr. Orlando Barsottini and Dr. Christofer Stephen discuss the most common non-motor symptoms and how to approach them.

Dr. Michele Matarazzo sits down with Dr. Rebecca Wallings to discuss  how two of the most important genetic forms for Parkinson's disease, LRRK2 and GBA1, influence immune response to bacterial simulation. Their discussion highlights a potential link between genetics, environment, and inflammation in Parkinson’s disease.

Journal CME is available until March 18, 2027



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