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.researchgate.net/publication/364544026_How_vacations_affect_Parkinson's_disease

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