Prof Bas Bloem Weekly
EP 29 - The Parkinson Weekly Helpdesk
đď¸ Weâre back with the twenty-ninth episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem â 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 Parkinsonâs 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 â 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 â helping to cut through conflicting advice and focus on what truly matters for patients.Have a question youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.
EP 28 - The Parkinson Weekly Helpdesk
đď¸ Weâre back with the twenty-eighth episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Bas Bloem.In Episode 28, we introduce a brand-new segment â the Parkinson Weekly Helpdesk â where Prof. Bloem answers listener-submitted questions from across the global Parkinsonâs community. Following an overwhelming response, this new format tackles three key questions per episode, offering practical, evidence-based insights while ensuring advice remains general and applicable to all.This first Helpdesk episode explores:The growing interest in methylene blue and whether there is any real clinical evidence behind its use in Parkinsonâs diseaseHow to regain confidence after a fall, including the role of balance confidence training and physiotherapyThe broader topic of supplements in Parkinsonâs, examining what the evidence actually shows â and where caution is neededProf. Bloem brings his characteristic clarity and scientific rigour to each topic, highlighting the importance of distinguishing promising theory from proven, evidence-based treatments, while also addressing the real concerns and experiences of people living with Parkinsonâs.A thoughtful and highly practical episode that marks the start of an important new initiative â designed to answer your questions, at scale.Have a question youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.
EP 27 - Parkinsonism and Related Disorders
đď¸ Weâre back with the twenty-seventh episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem.In Episode 27, Prof. Bloem explores an intriguing and under-researched question in Parkinsonâs disease: can temperature influence symptoms?Inspired by a 2024 study published in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders by Nahid Mohammadzadeh & Joseph Friedman the episode examines how exposure to cold may worsen tremor in people with Parkinsonâs disease.Drawing on both clinical observations and emerging evidence, Prof. Bloem discusses how nearly one-third of patients with tremor reported worsening symptoms in cold conditionsâoften independent of shiveringâwhile warmer environments may offer relief for some individuals.The episode also reflects on earlier research, including findings from Prof. Bloemâs own âholiday survey,â which suggested that many patients experience symptom improvement in warmer climates, though responses can vary significantly.Importantly, Prof. Bloem highlights the limitations of current evidenceâsmall sample sizes, self-reported data, and a lack of objective measurementsâwhile emphasising the potential clinical relevance of temperature as a modifiable factor.Finally, the episode calls for a more personalised, holistic approach to Parkinsonâs care, encouraging patients and clinicians to consider environmental factors such as temperature, and urging researchers to further investigate this overlooked dimension of the disease.Articles can be found here: https://www.prd-journal.com/issue/S1353-8020(24)X0006-1 & https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364544026_How_vacations_affect_Parkinson's_diseaseHave a question youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.
EP 26 - Article Of The Week: Clinical severity in Parkinson's disease is determined by decline in cortical compensation
đď¸ Weâre back with the twenty-sixth episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem.In Episode 26, Prof. Bloem explores a thought-provoking shift in how we understand Parkinsonâs disease progression.Inspired by a 2024 study published in Brain by Martin Johansson and colleagues, the episode examines whether we may have been focusing too heavily on the substantia nigra â and overlooking the crucial role of the brainâs cortex.Drawing on data from the Parkinson Precision Project, the study suggests that faster disease progression may be driven more by a breakdown in cortical compensation than by continued degeneration in the basal ganglia.Prof. Bloem discusses what this could mean for future disease-modifying strategies, and why approaches that support or protect cortical function â including exercise â may become increasingly important.A short but impactful episode that challenges conventional thinking and opens new directions for Parkinsonâs research.Article can be found here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37757883/Have a question youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.
EP 25 - Article Of The Week: The impact of diet on Parkinson's disease risk: A data-driven analysis in a large Italian case-control population
đď¸ Weâre back with the twenty-five episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem.In Episode 25, Prof. Bloem explores the complex and evolving role of diet in the risk of developing Parkinsonâs disease.Inspired by a recent study published in the Journal of Parkinsonâs Disease (2026) by Angelo Gigante and colleagues, the episode examines how different dietary patterns may influence Parkinsonâs risk alongside established environmental and genetic factors.Prof. Bloem discusses findings from a large Italian multi-centre case-control study, which suggests that higher consumption of sweets, red meat, and processed meats may be associated with an increased risk of Parkinsonâs disease, while fruit intake appears to have a modest protective effect.The episode also places these findings into context, comparing the impact of diet with other known risk factors such as pesticide exposure, metals, family history, coffee consumption, and physical activity, and highlights the emerging theory that Parkinsonâs disease may begin in the gut.Finally, Prof. Bloem reflects on the limitations of current evidence â including reliance on self-reported dietary data â and emphasises the need for further research to better understand how nutrition could play a role in prevention and disease progression.Article can be found here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1877718X251388058Have a question youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.
EP 24 - Article Of The Week: Spiritual Assessment of Neurologic Patients
đď¸ Weâre back with the twenty-fourth episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem.In Episode 24, Prof. Bas Bloem discusses an important and often overlooked topic in Parkinsonâs care: spirituality.Inspired by a recent paper published in Neurology Clinical Practice (2026) by Dr Indu Subramanian and colleagues, the episode explores how spirituality â the search for meaning, purpose, and connection â can help people living with Parkinsonâs disease cope with the challenges of diagnosis and disease progression.Prof. Bloem highlights the distinction between spirituality and religion, the role of spirituality in fostering hope and resilience, and why addressing spiritual needs may be an important part of holistic care for people with neurological diseases.The paper also offers practical guidance for clinicians, including simple screening questions that can help open conversations about spiritual wellbeing in clinical practice.Article can be found here: https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/CPJ.0000000000200591Have a question youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.
EP 23 - Papers on 'Response Fluctuations'
đď¸ Weâre back with the twenty third episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem.In Episode 23 of Parkinson Weekly, Prof. Bas Bloem explores the phenomenon of response fluctuations, where the benefits and side effects of oral Parkinsonâs medications vary throughout the day. Rather than focusing on a single new study, this episode revisits several influential papers that have reshaped how clinicians understand these fluctuations and their underlying mechanisms.Listeners will learn about key concepts including âonâ and âoffâ states, predictable wearing-off, dose failures, and different types of dyskinesiasâincluding peak-dose and biphasic dyskinesias. The episode also highlights how Parkinsonâs disease progression narrows the brainâs therapeutic window, making it increasingly difficult to maintain stable symptom control.Prof. Bloem also discusses an often overlooked factor: the gut. Gastrointestinal issues such as delayed gastric emptying, constipation, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and Helicobacter pylori infection can significantly affect how levodopa is absorbed, leading to delayed or unpredictable medication responses.Finally, the episode explores treatment strategiesâfrom adjusting dosing schedules and adding adjunct medications to the role and limitations of continuous dopaminergic therapies, while emphasising the importance of realistic treatment goals and expectation management.This episode offers practical insights for clinicians, people living with Parkinsonâs disease, and caregivers seeking to better understand and manage medication fluctuations.Listen now to discover how evolving research is shaping the way we approach response fluctuations in Parkinsonâs disease.Articles mentioned can be found here:https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(15)00007-1/abstracthttps://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mds.870120304https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2865731/Have a question youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.
EP 22 - Article Of The Week: Dual-Risk axis: GBA1 mutations and occupational pesticide exposure in Parkinson's Disease
 đď¸ Weâre back with the twenty second episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem.In this episode, Bas explores the role of geneâenvironment interactions in Parkinsonâs disease, examining why some individuals develop Parkinsonâs following environmental exposure while others do not.Discussing a recent study published in the Journal of Parkinsonâs Disease, he reviews new evidence linking GBA1 genetic mutations with occupational pesticide exposure, highlighting how genetic susceptibility may influence vulnerability to environmental risk factors.Bas explains the biological mechanisms behind this interaction, including impaired cellular waste clearance and mitochondrial dysfunction, and reflects on the broader implications for research, prevention strategies, and regulatory policy. The key message: Parkinsonâs risk may be shaped not by genes or environment alone, but by the interaction between the two.An important episode that advances our understanding of Parkinsonâs disease risk and underscores the need to consider genetic vulnerability in environmental health and future research.đ You can read the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41549707/Have a question youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.
EP 21 - Article Of The Week: Hearing Loss in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
đď¸ Weâre back with the twenty first episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem.In this episode, Bas explores a surprising and often overlooked question: is hearing loss part of the Parkinsonâs disease phenotype?Discussing a 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Movement Disorders, he highlights compelling evidence that hearing impairment is common in Parkinsonâs â affecting nearly 80% of patients across pooled studies. High-frequency hearing loss was particularly prevalent, and abnormalities in central auditory processing suggest this is not simply age-related decline, but potentially linked to Parkinsonâs-specific brain changes.Bas reflects on why this matters clinically, including the association between hearing loss, cognitive decline, and social isolation. The key message: hearing impairment is common, under-recognised, and should not be dismissed as âjust ageing.âAn important episode that broadens our understanding of the non-motor and sensory features of Parkinsonâs disease.đ You can read the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41618507/And don't forget, you can listen here:Have a question youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.
EP 20 - Article Of The Week: Exploring the impact of Parkinson's disease on driving: a population-based survey
đď¸ Weâre back with the twentieth episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem.In this episode, Bas discusses Exploring the impact of Parkinsonâs disease on driving: a population-based survey, a large real-world study examining how Parkinsonâs affects driving ability, licence retention, and conversations between patients and healthcare professionals.Driving is closely tied to independence, identity, and quality of life â yet both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinsonâs can compromise safety behind the wheel. Bas walks listeners through the findings of this population-based survey, which showed that most people with Parkinsonâs still hold a valid driving licence, often many years after diagnosis, with many voluntarily adapting their driving habits by reducing distances or avoiding night-time travel. However, fewer than half had discussed driving with a healthcare professional, highlighting an important and often overlooked gap in routine care.He explores the broader factors that influence safe driving, including cognitive slowing, executive dysfunction, visualâspatial challenges, and the ability to respond under pressure â issues that may not always be captured during standard clinic assessments. Bas also considers the limitations of self-reported confidence and discusses the potential role of structured or simulator-based testing.This episode provides practical, real-world guidance for clinicians, patients, and families, emphasising the importance of regular conversations, early identification of risks, and supportive strategies to help people with Parkinsonâs maintain safe mobility and independence for as long as possible.đ You can read the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39545559/Have a question youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.
EP 19 - Parkinsonâs disease: cognitive challenges and the practical âdetoursâ people use to navigate them in daily life
đď¸ Weâre back with the nineteenth episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem.In this episode, Bas shines a light on an often overlooked aspect of Parkinsonâs disease: cognitive challenges and the practical âdetoursâ people use to navigate them in daily life. He pays tribute to the late Marina Noordegraaf â artist, advocate, and person with Parkinsonâs â whose pioneering work helped make these invisible thinking obstacles visible.Building on her earlier work around motor âdetoursâ for freezing of gait, Bas explores Marinaâs beautifully illustrated book Detours through the Parkinsonian Brain, which focuses on strategies to compensate for cognitive difficulties such as slowed thinking, attention problems, planning challenges, memory lapses, and executive dysfunction. Drawing on interviews with more than 450 people with Parkinsonâs and over 130 care partners, the project captures real-world solutions developed by patients themselves.Bas discusses the concept of functional cognition â how cognitive skills translate into everyday performance â and why challenges often emerge not in clinic-based tests but in complex, stressful, real-life situations. He highlights the practical tools outlined in the book, including environmental adjustments, behavioural strategies, and simple communication techniques to help patients and families manage thinking obstacles more effectively.This episode offers a thoughtful and highly practical perspective for clinicians, patients, and caregivers alike, emphasising that while cognitive symptoms may not always be visible, they are common, impactful, and often manageable with the right strategies.Have a question youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.
EP 18 - Article Of The Week: Effect on Dyskinesia of the Early Combination of Amantadine to Levodopa-Therapy in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study (PREMANDYSK)
đď¸ Weâre back with the eighteenth episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem.In this episode, Bas discusses new evidence on an old drug: amantadine. He reviews the PREMANDYSK study, a large multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial conducted across 15 specialist centres in France and published in Movement Disorders, which investigated whether early use of amantadine can delay or prevent the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesias in people with Parkinsonâs disease.Bas walks listeners through the studyâs innovative delayed-start and washout design, explains why amantadineâs unique dopaminergic and NMDA-antagonist properties make it biologically plausible for this role, and highlights the key findings â including a 50% reduction in peak-dose dyskinesias at 18 months, lower levodopa dose escalation, and modest benefits for freezing of gait, fatigue, and quality of life, without an increase in adverse events.He also offers a balanced interpretation of what the results do â and do not â tell us about true disease modification, discusses important limitations such as follow-up duration and patient selection, and reflects on how these findings may influence clinical decision-making today. Bas closes by reappraising amantadineâs place in Parkinsonâs care, particularly as an underrated, cost-effective option for the right patient, while emphasising the need for further long-term research.đ You can read the full article here:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41316871/Have a question youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.