Webinars

What if some of the most powerful tools for brain health were already on your plate? In this session, Dr Puja Agarwal explains the science behind the MIND Diet and why it is one of the most evidence-based dietary patterns for protecting brain health. Drawing on research from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, she explores how specific nutrients and foods can help slow cognitive decline, reduce the risk of dementia, and support people living with Parkinson's disease. The discussion covers the scientific evidence behind the MIND Diet, the role of antioxidants, healthy fats and whole foods, practical strategies for adopting the diet without feeling overwhelmed, and answers to audience questions on topics including supplements, organic food, coffee, alcohol, protein, meal planning, and whether dietary changes can still make a difference after a Parkinson's diagnosis.

To understand the PD Biome Sub-Study, it is helpful to first understand the wider research programme that it forms part of. The PD Frontline study is led by Professor Tony Schapira and his team at the Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology. Most cases of Parkinson's disease are described as idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. However, around 10% of cases are associated with specific genetic variants. PD Frontline aims to identify these genetic forms of Parkinson's through genetic testing, helping researchers better understand the biological pathways involved and paving the way for more targeted treatments. One of the major studies supported by PD Frontline is the ASPro-PD Phase III Ambroxol trial. This landmark clinical trial is investigating whether ambroxol can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. All participants in ASPro-PD must first undergo PD Frontline genetic testing before they can be enrolled. The PD Biome Sub-Study is a further extension of this research. It is investigating whether differences in the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria living in the digestive tract, can help predict Parkinson's disease in people carrying GBA gene variants. Researchers will compare biological samples from people with GBA variants, their healthy relatives or spouses, and people with Parkinson's disease to better understand the role of the gut microbiome in disease development and progression. What this webinar covers: Professor Tony Schapira - Exploring the relationship between the gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease, including key findings from our recently published paper Milly Anderson - Introducing the PD Biome study, which over 300 members of our cohort have participated in and has contributed to the research being presented by Professor Schapira. Georgie Pittwood - Sharing PD Frontline's future communication plans and how Ambassador feedback is helping to shape our approach. Live Q&A Session - Following the presentations, there will be an opportunity to ask questions to the team during a live Q&A session. 02:16 - Milly Anderson: Introducing the PD Biome study, which over 300 members of the PD Frontline cohort have participated in and has contributed to the research being presented by Prof. Schapira. 06:22 - Prof. Tony Schapira: Exploring the relationship between the gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease, including key findings from our recently published paper. 16:08 - Gut Microbiome Q&A 28:22 - Georgie Pittwood: Sharing PD Frontline's future communication plans and how Ambassador feedback is helping to shape our approach. 35:21 - General Q&A Get in touch if you would like to join this research: pdbiome@ucl.ac.uk

In this session, Dr. Mischley joined us to explore the shift from traditional clinical observation to a data-driven, personalised paradigm for Parkinson’s management. Dr. Mischley argues that true progress requires building a new model—using objective biomarkers, patient-reported outcomes, and comprehensive laboratory testing—rather than simply relying on more traditional diagnostic frameworks. Key questions explored in this session include: The Data-Driven Approach: How we can move beyond surface-level symptoms to understand specific biomarkers in blood, hair and urine, that provide a deeper picture of health. Tracking Progression: Insights into the PRO-PD app and its role in tracking individual health journeys. Targeted Interventions: Understanding how diagnostic tools and laboratory findings help tailor management strategies, including the role of fatty acids, cholesterol, homocysteine, and Vitamin D in neurologic health. Predictive Metrics: An introduction to the RDW-to-Albumin Ratio (RAR) and how metrics like Heart Rate Variability (HRV) serve as tools for neurologic agility.

In this session, we explored the frontiers of Parkinson’s research, focusing on the critical questions shaping the future of care. We asked Professor Noyce how linking research profiles with national health records creates a more accurate "roadmap" for disease progression and whether we are now able to categorise Parkinson’s into specific sub-types for more personalised medicine. Key questions explored in this session include: The "Early Window": How can we act upon biological markers years before motor symptoms appear, and what role do lifestyle interventions like exercise and diet play in slowing the condition? Biological Staging: How close are we to a "Gold Standard" blood or skin test, and should we stop viewing Parkinson’s as a "motor disease" and start treating it as a systemic biological process? Technology & Innovation: How can we use consumer wearables to screen for early markers, and what biological pathways—such as inflammation or mitochondrial health—hold the most promise for a breakthrough? Global Reach: How is the PC3 project ensuring that new treatments are effective for diverse patient populations? Professor Noyce’s expert insights and his thoughts on the scientific milestones from the first half of 2026 that offer the most optimism.

The sixth instalment of the Food as Medicine series moves beyond the kitchen to the cutting edge of clinical supplementation. In this session, co-hosted by NoSilverBullet4PD and the PD Buddy app, Michel Planquart welcomes distinguished Naturopathic Doctor and researcher Dr Tanya Denne. As a leading advocate for "Personalised Medicine," Dr Denne bridges the gap between traditional neurology and complementary disciplines. This webinar provides an objective, evidence-based look at how specific compounds can support mitochondrial function, defend against oxidative stress, and protect the brain at a cellular level, cutting through marketing hype to examine what the latest research actually says. Key Topics Covered Mitochondrial Support: An exploration of the role of NAD+ precursors and emerging interest in low-dose lithium as potential tools for maintaining cellular energy. Neuroprotection & Connectivity: How N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), a powerful antioxidant, shows promise in supporting brain connectivity. Cognitive Clarity: A review of popular natural options, including Lion's Mane, for maintaining cognitive health. The Broader Supplement Landscape: Evidence-based insights into the role of Green Tea in managing protein health, alongside a look at CBD for managing sleep challenges and anxiety.

We are delighted to share the recording of last Thursday's webinar featuring Lucille Leader, the Nutrition Director of the Parkinson's Disease Integrated Nutrition Clinic in London, UK (www.lucilleleader.com) and a renowned expert in nutritional therapy for Parkinson's. Lucille has received the “Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease Award” in the USA and the “Outstanding Practice Award” in the UK. She is the author and co-author of 6 books on Parkinson’s Disease, academic lecturer on MSc degree courses and lectured at International Parkinson’s Disease Congresses. In this highly practical session, Lucille explores the intricate relationship between protein intake and dopamine metabolism. She shares essential insights into managing the timing of your meals and supplements to optimise how L-DOPA medication works and to minimise side effects, demonstrating how precision monitoring of L-dopa drug response at different doses, can enable the ability to smooth over the “Off-Period”. Other Key takeaways from the session include: The Importance of Cellular Energy: Exploring how natural Cellular Energy produced in the Power Houses (Mitochondria) of our cells is compromised in Parkinson’s Disease and how L-dopa medication also impacts this process. Learning how essential it is in the metabolic management of Parkinson’s Disease to support the Cell Energy Cycle (The Citric Acid /Krebs Cycle) and which specific nutrients, specialised diet and oxygenation are indicated for this support. Broad Metabolic and Systemic Support: Discovering the vital role the Bowel plays in nutrient and drug absorption, some recommendations for chronic intestinal dysfunction with recommendations for specialist referrals, alongside practical advice on the importance of monitoring Skin health, Thyroid function, and the importance of Stress Management – techniques recommended. Recommending Multidisciplinary Team Support, Medical as well as Specialised Nutritional, Genetic, Viral and Bacterial Laboratory Tests implicating functional health in Parkinson’s Disease. Stay Connected via our new website: ParkinsonsInsights.com — Visit for daily curated news, expert commentaries, and our webinar archive. Disclaimer: This session is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult with your medical professional before making changes to your care plan. See https://nosilverbullet4pd.com/disclam... for full disclaimer. Questions and Answers: Lucille Leader Have you had success with FOG and stiffness? No specific improvements with FOG. Stiffness is for medical assessment and dopaminergic or other recommendations. I’ve had gastric bypass surgery, how does that affect the metabolism and interaction with Levo-Dopa.? I already take B12 injections monthly, anything else should I monitor? If the bypass is after the absorption site in the proximal small bowel, there should be no hindrance to absorption of L-dopa. However, I cannot comment for you, personally, as I am not aware of your health status. Re what to monitor as regards other nutrients and routine medical tests: On my Webinar slide Presentation I have listed routine tests… but the choice for you is dependent on your personal clinical health. You need to be guided by a Nutrition Practitioner who works in collaboration with your Medical Practitioner. In case this isn't covered in the presentation, may I ask if the dispersible Levodopa tablets /madopar have the same issues regarding meal timing and proteins impacting brain uptake as do the tablets that are swallowed? Madopar dispersible has the same timing consideration as other L-dopa formulations it is L-dopa with the same absorption site and competition for absorption with the large neutral amino acid as any other form of the drug. With the B6 element, is there a link between KPU and PD? Thank you for a very clear presentation. KPU is associated with Zinc and B6 deficiencies. Test for these and Kryptopyroles for assessment. See the interesting research on this subject and PD. Is coffee OK? Does half&half have enough protein to matter? Coffee is not an issue. Trace amounts of protein only. Re your example of calculating the time of dosing to avoid OFF times, how would you modify that if you have 2 doses of Levodopa with different life times. Say Sinemet starts in 20 mins and is a short acting and a longer acting ER that starts at 60 mins and lasts 2 hours? You need to change your timing of food according to the differing monitoring results at different times. Does the warning about protein include beans, (kidney, black, etc) They and other high lectin content beans are of consideration as protein, at the time of taking L-dopa. Research demonstrates that red kidney beans can impact the permeability of the gut mucosa. Therefore, the status of the intestinal mucosa also needs assessment when advising on diet considerations. Any advice for us on a slow release carbi/levodopa? Slow Release L-dopa formulations can last for some hours – therefore during that period, protein competition is an important consideration. If you cannot only take it at night but need it during the day, you will need special attention to appropriate protein administration when you have a window. A predigested hydrolysed protein drink may be helpful as it is more rapidly absorbed than whole protein. Protein metabolises endogenous L-dopa and is essential for general health. With the importance of mitochondria does it make sense to encourage mitophagy and if so how? See the research on mitochondria, mitophagy and Parkinson’s disease. I recommend for your interest the specialised Mitochondrial tests, including Mitophagy, represented by AONM in the UK (Gilian Crowther: Email: gilian@aonm.org Website: www.AONM.org) I am taking 6 x 100/25 LDopa during the day meaning a tablet every 2.5 hours. Over recent months I am wearing off as quickly as every approx 2 hours, I also take Opicapone and Safinamide. Timing of meals is a real challenge and my PD Dr says I should not take L Dopa more frequently than I currently do. A recent blood test shows low B6 so maybe I need to take a supplement? Also I think a patch might be prescribed to see if this helps. When ON I do get dyskinesia but find this preferable to being OFF as I am prone to Freeze and falling - do you agree that taking L Dopa more frequently than every 2.5 hours should be avoided? A pump was suggested but a recent consultation at Kings London I think is going to say no to a pump until a patch has been tried… but previously my regular PD team have steered away from prescribing Agonists - this is an excellent session thank you, Adrian. Certainly your neurologist is correct in advising you to keep to that total dosage over the day. However, for some people, taking a smaller dose more frequently (not going beyond the total daily dosage prescribed) can be helpful. This needs to be discussed with your doctor. Do recall that if you have a small window only for protein, a predigested hydrolysed protein drink may be helpful as it is more rapidly absorbed than whole protein. Protein metabolises endogenous L-dopa and is essential for general health. Are you saying don’t take soy at all? Or just in the 2 hours before taking pills? Soy is a whole protein, so the timing of taking it is the same as for all dense proteins which will compete for absorption with L-dopa. However, its suitability for personalised diet needs to be assessed by a Nutrition Practitioner. Many of your slides cite research that is 10-20 yrs old. Are these studies still accurate and valid? Interesting that these facts were already considered then. I have heard that taking Levodopa medication with sparkling mineral water and vitamin C improves absorption. Is there any research or evidence for this? I do not have experience with sparkling water and absorption of L-dopa medication. DISCLAIMER - CAUTIONARY NOTE: Lucille Leader does not take responsibility for the outcome or misinterpretation of any of her anwers as the aspects pertaining to the questions are essentially the responsibility of patients' inidvidual healthcare teams, who are familiar with the individual's clinical status.

In this insightful session, we were joined by Dr Ludy Shih, Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Director at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr Shih explored the complex relationship between the natural process of brain aging and the specific pathology of Parkinson’s disease. Key Takeaways The Aging Intersection: Dr Shih discussed how Parkinson's does not exist in a vacuum; it interacts with the "biological clock" of the brain. She highlighted that many of the cellular and molecular mechanisms we see in Parkinson’s—such as mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress—are also fundamental components of the normal aging process. A System-Wide Approach: A major focus of the talk was that aging is not limited to the brain. Dr Shih explained how "non-neurologic" systems (such as the cardiovascular and metabolic systems) undergo their own aging processes, which can significantly impact the progression and symptom management of those living with Parkinson's. The Power of Longitudinal Data: Drawing from her extensive work with the Framingham Heart Study, Dr Shih shared how tracking health data across generations helps researchers distinguish between "normal" aging and the specific neurodegenerative changes associated with Parkinson’s. Resilience and Reserve: The session emphasized the importance of building "cognitive and motor reserve." By understanding how the brain ages, we can better implement lifestyle strategies—such as targeted exercise and social engagement—to enhance the brain's resilience against disease progression. Why This Matters for our Community Understanding the overlap between aging and Parkinson's helps us move away from a "one-size-fits-all" approach. It highlights that maintaining overall systemic health (heart health, metabolic health, and mental wellness) is just as vital as managing dopamine levels. By slowing the "biological clock" through proactive lifestyle choices, we can positively influence the trajectory of the condition.

This webinar, titled "Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Parkinson’s," is the fourth instalment of the "Food as Medicine" series. It features Jelena Etemovic, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, who explores how targeted nutritional strategies can act as neuroprotective tools to support brain health and manage symptoms. The Core Science: Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Parkinson’s disease is characterised by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing cells. Research suggests that oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are key contributors to this cellular damage over time. Oxidative Stress: This is an imbalance between "free radicals" (unstable molecules that damage cells) and "antioxidants" (molecules that neutralise them). Chronic Inflammation: While inflammation is a natural healing response, when it becomes chronic, it places added stress on the nervous system and brain cells. Key Nutritional Strategies 1. Antioxidant-Rich Foods Antioxidants are natural compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage. They are primarily found in vibrant, colourful plant-based foods. Sources: Berries, dark leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. The "Variety" Rule: Different colours represent different antioxidant compounds (e.g., Vitamin C in citrus, flavonoids in blueberries, resveratrol in grapes). The "Regularity" Rule: Daily habits add up; cellular protection is a long-term benefit of consistent intake. 2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids These are "essential" fats, meaning the body cannot produce them and must get them from food. They are directly involved in regulating the body’s inflammatory response and supporting brain cell communication. DHA & EPA (Found in fatty fish): Crucial for brain health and cognitive function. ALA (Found in plants): Found in flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Recommendation: Aim to include omega-3 rich foods 2–3 times per week. Practical "Hacks" for Daily Life Jelena recommends a three-step approach to immediately improving your nutritional profile: Grocery List Update: Add three antioxidant-rich and three omega-3-rich foods to your shop this week. Colourful Plates: Fill half your plate with colourful fruits and vegetables daily. The "Add, Don't Cut" Mindset: Instead of focusing on what to restrict, focus on what nutrient-dense foods you can add to your current meals (e.g., adding chia seeds to oatmeal or spinach to a smoothie). Jelena has produced the following free guide: https://jelena-etemovic-dietitian.kit.com/1b8038925f Parkinson’s Brain Health Nutrition Guide: Practical nutrition strategies to support brain health and help you take simple action this week. Inside this free guide you’ll learn: How nutrition can help support brain health in PD How to get started with building a plan An antioxidant foods list Tips for increasing antioxidant intakes An Omega-3 foods list Tips for increasing omega-3 intakes How to get additional nutrition guidance