Parkinson Weekly

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/ [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 [parkinsonweekly@gmail.com] – we’d love to hear from you.

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 [parkinsonweekly@gmail.com] – we’d love to hear from you.

EP 28 - The Parkinson Weekly Helpdesk

🎙️ We’re back with the twenty-eighth episode of Parkinson Weekly, hosted by Bas Bloem. In Episode 28, we introduce a brand-new segment — the Parkinson Weekly Helpdesk — where Prof. Bloem answers listener-submitted questions from across the global Parkinson’s 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 Parkinson’s disease * How to regain confidence after a fall, including the role of balance confidence training and physiotherapy * The broader topic of supplements in Parkinson’s, examining what the evidence actually shows — and where caution is needed Prof. 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 Parkinson’s. A thoughtful and highly practical episode that marks the start of an important new initiative — designed to answer your questions, at scale. Have a question you’d like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com [parkinsonweekly@gmail.com] – we’d love to hear from you.

EP 27 - Parkinsonism and Related Disorders

🎙️ We’re 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 Parkinson’s 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 Parkinson’s 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 conditions—often independent of shivering—while warmer environments may offer relief for some individuals. The episode also reflects on earlier research, including findings from Prof. Bloem’s own “holiday survey,” which suggested that many patients experience symptom improvement in warmer climates, though responses can vary significantly. Importantly, Prof. Bloem highlights the limitations of current evidence—small sample sizes, self-reported data, and a lack of objective measurements—while emphasising the potential clinical relevance of temperature as a modifiable factor. Finally, the episode calls for a more personalised, holistic approach to Parkinson’s 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.prd-journal.com/issue/S1353-8020(24)X0006-1] & https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364544026_How_vacations_affect_Parkinson's_disease [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364544026_How_vacations_affect_Parkinson's_disease] Have a question you’d like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com [parkinsonweekly@gmail.com] – we’d love to hear from you.

EP 26 - Article Of The Week: Clinical severity in Parkinson's disease is determined by decline in cortical compensation

🎙️ We’re 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 Parkinson’s 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 — and overlooking the crucial role of the brain’s 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 — including exercise — may become increasingly important. A short but impactful episode that challenges conventional thinking and opens new directions for Parkinson’s research. Article can be found here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37757883/ [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1877718X251388058] Have a question you’d like Bas to answer in a future episode? Email us at parkinsonweekly@gmail.com [parkinsonweekly@gmail.com] – we’d love to hear from you.