Welcome back to The Caring Neurologist! In this milestone 10th episode, “The Future of Genetic Therapy in Movement Disorders,”  the ever-insightful Dr. Sandeep Thakkar unravels the science and hope behind gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease and beyond. They break down what gene therapy really means, going beyond the headlines and “science fiction” buzzwords like CRISPR to explain how this groundbreaking approach aims to address the very root causes of movement disorders.

Dr. Thakkar shares the latest updates on clinical trials for therapies targeting genetic mutations like GBA1, and discusses how viral delivery systems and gene editing are shaping the next wave of Parkinson’s treatments. The conversation moves from technical breakthroughs to bigger questions about safety, personalized medicine, real-world challenges, and the immense hope these advances offer for patients and families.

Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, care for someone who is, or are just fascinated by the future of medicine, this episode will leave you feeling both grounded and inspired. Stay tuned for an episode that’s as informative as it is hopeful!

00:00 Gene Therapy Advances

03:28 Gene Therapy for Parkinson's

07:24 Gene Editing: CRISPR Explored

12:43 GBA1 Mutation in Parkinson's Disease

16:15 Gene Therapy: A Parkinson's Update

17:09 Revolutionizing Care in Neurology

21:26 Gene Therapy Advancements in Huntington's Disease

26:17 Gene Therapy Delivery Challenges

29:43 Genetic Insights in Parkinson's Prevention

33:23 Understanding Future Changes in Gene Therapy

36:16 Balance Excitement and Challenges

37:37 Ozzy Osbourne's Impactful Legacy

The Caring Neurologist - Podcast Website - https://thecaringneurologist.com/

Dr. Sandeep Thakkar - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-thakkar-do-798a2499/

Dr. Sandeep Thakkar - Clinic - https://ocparkinsons.com/about-mdpds/our-team/dr-thakkar/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/