Neurosurgeon Explains Where Parkinson's Surgery Fits

Dr. Shane Liddelow is a leading neuroscientist and researcher specializing in glial biology, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and ALS. His groundbreaking research has challenged traditional views of how brain cells function and revealed how cells once thought to simply support neurons can actually contribute to their death. In this episode, he joins Gaia to explore a fascinating question: What if understanding Parkinson's requires us to look beyond the neurons themselves? Together, they discuss the critical role of astrocytes and microglia in maintaining brain health, how inflammation can transform normally protective cells into harmful ones, and why communication between different brain cells may be central to understanding neurodegeneration. They also explore the possibility of reversing harmful astrocyte states, the future of therapies targeting these cells, and how exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle may influence inflammation and brain health. But perhaps the most important message from this conversation is that the brain is not simply a collection of neurons. It is an interconnected system, and understanding how its cells communicate could fundamentally change how we approach Parkinson's treatment. While new therapies are still being developed, this research offers exciting possibilities for understanding and potentially influencing the processes that drive neurodegeneration. WHAT WE COVER: The role of astrocytes and microglia in brain health

Dr. Alfonso Fasano is a leading neurologist and researcher specializing in Parkinson’s disease, deep brain stimulation (DBS), neuromodulation, and freezing of gait. His work has contributed to advancing our understanding of Parkinson’s and the development of new approaches to treatment, including adaptive DBS. In this episode, he joins Gaia to explore how advances in Parkinson’s treatment can translate into better movement, greater independence, and improved quality of life. They discuss the latest developments in adaptive DBS, who may benefit from brain stimulation, and why even the most advanced technologies have limitations. They also explore the science behind freezing of gait, the complexities of neuroplasticity, and common misconceptions about levodopa and dyskinesia. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Fasano emphasizes that treatment is not simply about reducing symptoms. It is about creating opportunities to exercise, remain socially engaged, and continue doing the things that make life meaningful. He also shares powerful reflections from people who have lived with Parkinson’s for more than 30 years. WHAT WE COVER: • How adaptive DBS differs from traditional DBS• What adaptive DBS can and cannot improve• Who may be a good candidate for DBS• Why patient expectations matter before surgery• Why DBS is not a cure for Parkinson’s• The limitations of DBS and why it cannot eliminate all motor symptoms• How brain activity and beta waves relate to Parkinson’s symptoms• Why neuroplasticity is not always beneficial• The science behind freezing of gait• How multitasking and cognitive demands affect walking• Levodopa, dyskinesia, and common medication misconceptions• Why delaying medication can sometimes reduce quality of life• When Parkinson’s medication may be necessary• Why treatment adjustments require time and communication• The importance of trust between patients and neurologists• Why exercise and social engagement matter alongside medical treatment• The role of family and caregivers in DBS outcomes• Insights from Reprogramming My Brain, co-authored with Benjamin Stecher• What people living with Parkinson’s for over 30 years would tell their newly diagnosed selves WHAT’S NEXT: 📧 Join our newsletter: Get Parkinson’s research, practical strategies, expert insights, and updates from Parkinson’s Performance Centre delivered straight to your inbox.https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/newsletter 🏋️ Train Like An Athlete: Gaia’s work at Parkinson’s Performance Centre, and her belief that people with Parkinson’s can train like athletes, was the inspiration behind the Like An Athlete, Not A Patient podcast. If you’re interested in learning more about Gaia’s program and how PPC helps people with Parkinson’s train with purpose, explore the program HERE:https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/startprotocol STAY CONNECTED WITH US: Instagram: @gaia.forlani.ppc Facebook: Gaia Forlani SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode changed the way you think about Parkinson’s rehabilitation and the role you can play in your own care, subscribe to Like An Athlete, Not A Patient and leave a review. It helps more people with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers, and the professionals supporting them discover these conversations.

Professor Elena Moro is one of the world’s leading neurologists specializing in Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders, and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Having trained in Grenoble, where modern DBS was pioneered, she has spent decades at the forefront of Parkinson’s research and care. In this episode, she joins Gaia to explore what it really means to treat the person with Parkinson’s, not just the disease. They discuss how DBS works, who may benefit, when to start levodopa, and common misconceptions surrounding Parkinson’s medication. They also explore an area that remains significantly under-researched: women with Parkinson’s, including hormones, menopause, pregnancy, and differences in treatment. Throughout the conversation, Professor Moro comes back to the importance of listening to the patient, focusing on quality of life, and taking a more holistic approach to Parkinson’s care. WHAT WE COVER: How deep brain stimulation (DBS) works Who may be a good candidate for DBS What DBS can and cannot improve Why electrode placement matters When to consider starting levodopa Why levodopa is not “toxic” Medication side effects to understand Why treatment should focus on quality of life Differences between Parkinson’s in women and men Hormones, menopause, pregnancy, and Parkinson’s Why women-specific Parkinson’s research is still lacking The role of exercise, sleep, diet, and rehabilitation Why family and caregivers matter in Parkinson’s care Equal access to Parkinson’s treatments Why there is no “magic pill” for Parkinson’s How close we really are to finding a cure

Dr. Nick Dennis is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and board-certified neurologic clinical specialist specializing in neurological rehabilitation. He is also the co-founder of NeuroStrength Network, a Parkinson’s exercise community designed to bridge the gap between physical therapy and long-term independence. In this episode, he joins Gaia to explore an important question: Are we underdosing exercise for Parkinson’s? Dr. Dennis explains why simply moving more can create initial progress, but why intensity matters as the body adapts. They discuss how strength and conditioning can complement physical therapy, what effective Parkinson’s training can look like, and how heart rate, wearables, and rate of perceived exertion can help measure whether someone is actually training at the right intensity. dr-gaia They also explore training for freezing of gait, posture and balance, what should happen after physical therapy ends, and why recovery is just as important as training hard. Ultimately, Dr. Dennis challenges the idea that Parkinson’s automatically means training less — while emphasizing that exercise should be individualized, progressive, and sustainable. WHAT WE COVER: Why exercise for Parkinson’s may be underdosed

Jimmy Choi is an athlete, Parkinson’s advocate, marathon runner, world-record holder, and seven-time American Ninja Warrior competitor who has spent more than two decades living with Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosed at just 27, Jimmy spent eight years largely ignoring his diagnosis until a frightening fall down the stairs while carrying his 10-month-old son became the moment he knew something had to change. In this episode, he joins Gaia to talk about the mindset shift that took him from simply exercising because it was “good for Parkinson’s” to training with a purpose. He shares how running helped him work on his gait, why falling led him to start training burpees, how his approach has evolved as Parkinson’s has progressed, and why high-intensity training, strength, balance, recovery, and mental health all play a role. Jimmy also speaks openly about the harder parts of his journey: denial, depression, vulnerability, OFF periods, asking for help, and the family that ultimately became his reason to keep going. His message throughout the episode is clear: “I’m not striving to be an athlete. I’m striving to be the best person I can be for my family.” WHAT WE COVER: Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s at just 27 years old