Prof Bas Bloem Weekly
EP 33 - Four innovations to bridge the evidence-practice gap in Parkinson's disease allied health guidelines
đď¸ Weâre 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 Parkinsonâs disease.Published in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, the guideline introduces an innovative, problem-orientated approach to Parkinsonâs 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 Parkinsonâs, 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 Parkinsonâs 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 Parkinsonâs disease management.Read the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42115018/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 32 - The Parkinson Weekly Helpdesk
đď¸ Weâre 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 Parkinsonâs disease and why future clinical trials could help define its therapeutic potential.Bas also discusses altered perception in Parkinsonâs, 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 Parkinsonâs 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 Parkinsonâs disease.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 31 - The Unseen Burden: Uncovering Shame and Its Determinants in Parkinson's Disease
đď¸ Weâre 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 Parkinsonâs 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 Parkinsonâs.The episode highlights findings from a Swiss study investigating the relationship between shame, anxiety, guilt, dyskinesias, depression, apathy, and overall quality of life in Parkinsonâs 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 Parkinsonâs and their families.A thoughtful and compassionate episode shedding light on the emotional realities of living with Parkinsonâs disease â 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 youâd like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com â weâd love to hear from you.
EP 30 - Tolerability and efficacy of full-body head-up tilt sleeping in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy
đď¸ Weâre back with episode 30 of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Prof. Bas Bloem.In Episode 30, Prof. Bas Bloem explores orthostatic hypotension â the significant drop in blood pressure that can occur when standing up, commonly affecting people with Parkinsonâs disease and multiple system atrophy. This debilitating condition can lead to fainting, falls, fatigue, and the so-called âtwilight zoneâ of brain fog.The episode discusses new research published this week in NPJ Parkinsonâs Disease investigating âheads-up tilt sleepingâ â sleeping with the bed elevated at an angle â 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 Parkinsonâs disease.You can read the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42143029/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 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.