Parkinson Weekly

Oruen CNS
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Medicine

Parkinson Weekly is your go-to podcast for the latest insights in Parkinson’s disease. Each week, Professor Bas Bloem, Consultant Neurologist in the Department of Neurology at Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, takes you through his chosen “Article of the Week” – highlighting new research, clinical perspectives, and what it means for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. Have a question you’d like Bas to answer on the podcast? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com – we’d love to hear from you. Stay informed, stay connected, and join us every week for clear, expert-led discussions on Parkinson’s.

  1. 4d ago

    EP 36 - Think Gut: Why Parkinson’s Medication Sometimes Stops Working

    🎙️ Parkinson Weekly – Episode 36 In Episode 36 of Parkinson Weekly, Prof. Bas Bloem explores one of the most overlooked reasons why oral Parkinson’s medications can become unreliable: the gut. Drawing on his presentation at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress in Geneva, Prof. Bloem explains why fluctuating symptoms are not always caused by disease progression alone. While predictable “wearing-off” episodes can often be managed by adjusting medication schedules or adding adjunctive therapies, he highlights the importance of recognising delayed ONs, dose failures and unpredictable OFF periods—all of which may point towards impaired gastrointestinal function. The episode examines how Parkinson’s disease affects the digestive tract long before diagnosis in many people, including delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis), constipation and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Prof. Bloem discusses how these conditions can prevent levodopa from reaching the small intestine for absorption or even cause the medication to be broken down before it reaches the brain, leading to inconsistent symptom control. He also reviews practical management strategies, including treating constipation, understanding the current evidence surrounding SIBO, and recognising when it may be appropriate to bypass the gut altogether using device-aided therapies such as deep brain stimulation, continuous infusion therapies, or emerging on-demand treatments like inhaled levodopa. This practical and clinically focused episode provides valuable insights into recognising gastrointestinal causes of motor fluctuations and highlights how addressing the gut can help restore more reliable symptom control, improve mobility, and ultimately enhance quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Tune in now to discover why, when Parkinson’s medications stop working as expected, the answer may lie in the gut rather than the brain. Have a question you’d like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com – we’d love to hear from you.

  2. Aug 3

    EP 35 - “What to do, if even David Marsden would not have a clue”

    🎙️ We’re back with Episode 35 of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem. Recorded live at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress in Geneva, this special episode sees Prof. Bas Bloem reflect on his C. David Marsden Award Lecture, entitled “What to do, if even David Marsden would not have a clue”. Prof. Bloem explores how clinicians can approach particularly challenging movement disorder presentations when the diagnosis is far from straightforward. Drawing on the themes of his lecture, he outlines the value of a structured, multistep approach to reaching a clinically based diagnosis, even in the most complex cases. The episode also highlights the importance of developing an eclectic approach to clinical practice. Prof. Bloem discusses the value of identifying your own clinical heroes, learning from the skills and qualities that make them exceptional, and incorporating the best of these into your own clinical repertoire — while combining them with your individual strengths, preferences and abilities. Recorded from EAN 2026 in Geneva, this episode offers a fascinating insight into clinical reasoning, lifelong learning and the art of becoming a better clinician. Tune in now to hear Prof. Bas Bloem share the key lessons from his C. David Marsden Award Lecture. Have a question you’d like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com – we’d love to hear from you.

  3. Jul 1

    EP 34 - Pesticides Callout!

    🎙️ We’re back with Episode 34 of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem. In Episode 34 of Parkinson Weekly, “Pesticides Callout!”, Prof. Bas Bloem delivers a powerful call to action regarding proposed changes to European pesticide regulations. Prof. Bloem explores concerns surrounding the current omnibus proposal, particularly the possibility that real-world evidence may no longer be considered when assessing the long-term safety of pesticides once they have been approved for market use. Drawing on decades of research into Parkinson’s disease and environmental risk factors, he explains why ongoing scrutiny of pesticides and other chemicals remains essential, especially as new evidence emerges from real-world exposure. The episode examines the limitations of current testing methods, the importance of post-approval monitoring, and recent research linking environmental exposures to an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease. Prof. Bloem also discusses the need to support greener agricultural alternatives and questions proposals that could extend the use of chemicals already identified as harmful to human health. This thought-provoking episode highlights the intersection of environmental policy, public health, and Parkinson’s disease, while urging policymakers to prioritise long-term population health when making regulatory decisions. Tune-in now to hear why Prof. Bloem believes real-world evidence must remain at the heart of efforts to protect future generations from potential environmental contributors to neurodegenerative disease. Have a question you’d like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com – we’d love to hear from you.

  4. Jun 11

    EP 33 - Four innovations to bridge the evidence-practice gap in Parkinson's disease allied health guidelines

    🎙️ We’re back with episode 33 of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem. In Episode 33 of Parkinson Weekly, Prof. Bas Bloem discusses a newly published multidisciplinary allied health guideline for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Published in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, the guideline introduces an innovative, problem-orientated approach to Parkinson’s care, moving beyond traditional single-discipline recommendations. Instead, it brings together input from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, dieticians, and other allied health professionals to address complex symptoms such as falls, fatigue, swallowing difficulties, constipation, breathing problems, and sexual health concerns. Bas highlights four key innovations: its multidisciplinary structure, decision support based on problems raised by people with Parkinson’s, full accessibility for patients themselves, and automated annual updates to ensure the guidance remains aligned with the latest evidence. This episode explores why this Dutch guideline may serve as a template for future Parkinson’s guidelines worldwide, supporting more collaborative, person-centred, and up-to-date care. A forward-looking episode on how multidisciplinary guidance could help shape the next era of Parkinson’s disease management. Read the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42115018/ Have a question you’d like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com – we’d love to hear from you.

  5. Jun 4

    EP 32 - The Parkinson Weekly Helpdesk

    🎙️ We’re back with episode 32 of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem. In Episode 32 of Parkinson Weekly, Prof. Bas Bloem returns with the third Parkinson Weekly Helpdesk, answering three insightful questions from listeners. This episode explores the fascinating relationship between art, dopamine, creativity, and brain function, including how art may support wellbeing in Parkinson’s disease and why future clinical trials could help define its therapeutic potential. Bas also discusses altered perception in Parkinson’s, including hearing, vision, proprioception, posture awareness, and how practical tools such as visual feedback may help support therapy. The episode concludes with an open and thoughtful discussion on lifespan in Parkinson’s disease. Bas explains why honest conversations about prognosis, quality of life, falls, swallowing, infections, and multidisciplinary care are essential, while also highlighting the positive impact that specialist support and services such as ParkinsonNet can have on outcomes. A wide-ranging Helpdesk episode covering creativity, perception, realistic hope, and practical ways to support better living with Parkinson’s disease. Have a question you’d like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com – we’d love to hear from you.

  6. May 27

    Ep 31 - The Unseen Burden: Uncovering Shame and Its Determinants in Parkinson's Disease

    🎙️ We’re back with episode 31 of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem. In Episode 31 of Parkinson Weekly, Prof. Bas Bloem explores an often overlooked but deeply important aspect of Parkinson’s disease: shame. Discussing a thought-provoking new paper published in Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, Bas examines how feelings of shame can significantly affect the lives of people living with Parkinson’s. The episode highlights findings from a Swiss study investigating the relationship between shame, anxiety, guilt, dyskinesias, depression, apathy, and overall quality of life in Parkinson’s disease. Bas reflects on why this under-recognised issue deserves far greater attention in clinical practice and everyday conversations. Importantly, the discussion goes beyond medication, emphasising the value of open communication, awareness, and non-pharmacological support in helping reduce the burden of shame for people with Parkinson’s and their families. A thoughtful and compassionate episode shedding light on the emotional realities of living with Parkinson’s disease — and why acknowledging these experiences is an essential step toward better care. You can read the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40384367/  Have a question you’d like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com – we’d love to hear from you.

  7. May 22

    EP 30 - Tolerability and efficacy of full-body head-up tilt sleeping in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy

    🎙️ We’re back with episode 30 of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem. In Episode 30, Prof. Bas Bloem explores orthostatic hypotension — the significant drop in blood pressure that can occur when standing up, commonly affecting people with Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy. This debilitating condition can lead to fainting, falls, fatigue, and the so-called “twilight zone” of brain fog. The episode discusses new research published this week in NPJ Parkinson’s Disease investigating “heads-up tilt sleeping” — sleeping with the bed elevated at an angle — as a simple, non-pharmacological treatment approach. Prof. Bloem explains how this technique may help improve both daytime blood pressure drops and nighttime hypertension, potentially offering a rare treatment strategy that addresses both problems simultaneously. Drawing on findings from the international HEADS-UP Parkinson study, the episode examines the science behind this old clinical observation, practical ways patients can try the intervention themselves, and why this could represent an important advance in managing autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease. You can read the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42143029/ Have a question you’d like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com – we’d love to hear from you.

  8. Apr 30

    EP 29 - The Parkinson Weekly Helpdesk

    🎙️ We’re back with the twenty-ninth episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem — and the second instalment of the Parkinson Weekly Helpdesk. In this episode, Prof. Bloem answers three new listener questions covering some of the most talked-about topics in Parkinson’s care. He explores the role of diet and the gut, offering practical advice on nutrition, constipation, and how these may impact medication effectiveness. The episode also dives into Mucuna pruriens — what it is, how it compares to standard levodopa therapy, and when it may (or may not) be appropriate. Finally, Prof. Bloem discusses cognitive training, addressing whether brain exercises can help manage symptoms or slow cognitive decline. As always, the Helpdesk combines evidence with real-world clinical insight — helping to cut through conflicting advice and focus on what truly matters for patients. Have a question you’d like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com – we’d love to hear from you.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Parkinson Weekly is your go-to podcast for the latest insights in Parkinson’s disease. Each week, Professor Bas Bloem, Consultant Neurologist in the Department of Neurology at Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, takes you through his chosen “Article of the Week” – highlighting new research, clinical perspectives, and what it means for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. Have a question you’d like Bas to answer on the podcast? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com – we’d love to hear from you. Stay informed, stay connected, and join us every week for clear, expert-led discussions on Parkinson’s.

Information

  • Creator
    Oruen CNS
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parkinson Weekly
  • Show Website
    Parkinson Weekly

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