Mds Podcast

Growing evidence suggests a contributory role of tau protein in the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease. In this episode, Dr. Eduardo de Pablo-Fernández discusses the potential role of skin tau quantification as a biomarker for Huntington's disease with Dr. Jaime Kulisevsky and Dr. Iñigo Ruiz-Barrio. The authors discuss the results of the recent study correlating skin tau quantification with clinical and radiological data, and the role of skin tau in defining HD subtypes. Read the article.

In this episode Dr. Alfonso Fasano interviews Dr. Petra Schwingenschuh on her approach to tremor in the clinic. She further explains the importance of a good history taking, how to clinically assess tremor of different body parts, and how to diagnose functional tremor.

Dr. Sara Schaefer interviews Dr. Jaclyn Martindale on stigma in the experiences of individuals with pediatric movement disorders and tic disorders. They discuss the reasons behind stigma, types of stigma, and ways that stigma is perpetuated and mitigated in this special episode for World Movement Disorders Day 2024.

Dr. Indu Subramanian shares her view on stigma affecting people with Parkinson's disease, along with some practical tips on how to fight it as doctors and as a society.

Dr. Natasha Fothergill-Misbah discusses stigma in movement disorders with Dr. Sara Schaefer, including the origins, types, and consequences of stigma, and how stigma may be perpetuated and combatted around the world.

Dr. Rick Helmich tells us about the role of functional MRI in understanding the circuits of tremor. The conversation starts with a description of his most famous theory on the pathophysiology of Parkinsonism tremor ('dimmer-switch' hypothesis) and moves towards other forms of tremors, such as dystonic, Holmes and essential and even physiological tremor.

Dr. Anna Latorre is interviewed by Dr. Sara Schaefer about her study exploring the role of transcutaneous spinal cord simulation for suppression of postural tremor in essential tremor, including the potential pathophysiological mechanisms and implications for therapeutic use. Journal CME is available until October 21, 2025 Read the article.

In the introductory episode for the Tremor Special Series, Dr. Elan Louis tells us about the epidemiology of tremor as well as patients' and health care providers' awareness (or lack thereof). He guides us through his journey from when his mentor suggested that he'd look into familial essential tremor to the most important discoveries of the last two decades. Finally he gives us a glimpse of what's about to come and why tremor matters.

Prof. Alessio Di Fonzo shares the results of his award winning, multi-center work examining genetic data from people with early-onset PD in hopes of highlighting the difficulties in interpreting genetic variants emerging from NGS-multigene panels. Read the article.

Dr. Hannah E. Reese and Mr. W. Alan Brown discuss their pilot study of a mindfulness-based group virtual intervention for tic disorders, that was co-developed with patients. Read the article.

Prof. Jeffrey Kordower shares the data in support of #PD being a copathology disease and what strategies may be in the future for protein aggregate clearance in age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Alpha-synuclein based biomarkers have dominated the Parksinon's disease field over the past few years. Dr. Andrew Siderowf shares his views on the future of these biomarkers and what else the field may have in store.

Dr. Günter Höglinger discusses new genetic findings and other exciting research surrounding PSP and other atypical parkinsonisms.

Dr. Aesef Shaikh shares the exciting developments in the world of tremor and how he believes the use of technology will help answer some of the field’s big questions, including the personalization of treatment.

Dr. Victor Fung sat down with Dr. Michele Matarazzo at the #mdscongress to reflect on the advice from his predecessors and how that is helping him achieve his goals as MDS President.

Dr. Kishore Kumar shares the new genes associated with Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and ataxia. He also shares how new technologies, like long read sequencing, can assist in finding epigenetic changes.

Prof. Michael Zech takes a dive into his talk on gene discovery in dystonia. He explains how new findings can provide insight into the pathophysiology of dystonia and improve patient care and treatment.

Prof. Brit Mollenhauer shares her excitement about basic science, including biomarker research, and how she believes MDS’s diversity can help foster more collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists.

Dr. Alexander Lehn breaks down functional movement disorders; what is happening in the brain, what are the potential risk factors and what future treatments and clinical trials we have to look forward to.

The last full day of #mdscongress 2024 was packed full of sessions and other activities. Prof. Huw Morris dives into the learnings from the day and recollects the excitement surrounding the much-loved Video Challenge.