Welcome back to “The Caring Neurologist,” where we dive deep into the mysteries of the brain and bring practical, real-life advice straight from the clinic. In this illuminating episode, Dr. Sandeep Thakkar takes on one of the most essential and underestimated pillars of our health: sleep.

Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s or just trying to get a better night’s rest, you’ll want to tune in as our hosts uncover the hidden connections between Parkinson’s disease and sleep disorders. They discuss how sleep struggles can be some of the earliest warning signs of neurological issues sometimes appearing years before classic symptoms do, why sleep disturbances are more than just an inconvenience, and how they affect everything from motor function to mood and memory.

Dr. Thakkar and Ursula break down the science behind the stages of sleep, explain what’s really going on when you act out your dreams, and share actionable tips for getting better rest, plus a few surprising truths about so-called sleep “remedies” we’ve heard for generations. They also answer listener questions about shifting sleep habits, choosing the right wearable tech, and when it’s time to see a specialist.

This episode isn’t just for those affected by Parkinson’s, it’s a wake-up call for anyone striving for better brain health. So grab your favorite non-dairy drink, get comfortable, and join us for an eye-opening discussion that just might change the way you sleep tonight.

00:00 "Sleep's Fundamental Importance"

06:06 "Stages of Sleep Explained"

09:51 Parkinson's: Acting Out Dreams

11:53 "Sleep Disruptions and PTSD Patterns"

14:05 Medication Side Effects: Insomnia and Daytime Sleepiness

19:38 Dopamine's Impact on Sleep and Cognition

22:53 Sleep Deprivation and Health Impact

26:12 Discussing Vivid Dream Causes

28:47 Improve Sleep with Daily Habits

31:08 Parkinson's and Sleep Disruption

34:06 "Sugar's Impact on Sensitive Brains"

39:36 Hopeful Advancements in Sleep Therapy

40:40 Adaptive DBS and New Parkinson’s Treatments

44:13 "See Neurologist for Movement Symptoms"

46:51 Future Episode on Sleep?

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/

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/

Welcome to another episode of The Caring Neurologist! In today’s insightful conversation, Dr. Sandeep Thakkar's talks about what Diet and Toxins Reveal About Brain Health. As one of the most-heard video podcasts in neurology, this episode tackles the crucial, and often misunderstood links between nutrition, environmental toxins, and brain health, especially for those living with Parkinson’s and movement disorders.

Dr. Thakkar explores how what we eat truly acts as medicine for the mind, breaking down the science behind everyday foods, healthy eating patterns, and why your grocery list matters more than ever. They discuss the impact of processed foods, why the “Mediterranean” and “MIND” diets win out, and offer practical advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by conflicting dietary guidance and environmental health news. Whether you’re looking for clear advice on what to eat, how to minimize exposure to harmful substances, or realistic steps to improve your nutrition, this episode serves as a friendly guide to boosting your brain’s health one bite at a time.

Grab your favorite snack (just maybe skip the breakfast pizza), and join us for a relatable, evidence-based conversation designed to empower you on your journey to better brain health!

00:00 "Food as Fuel and Medicine"

05:00 Supporting Brain Health with Nutrition

08:39 Small Changes for Lasting Success

12:39 "Foods Harmful to Brain Health"

16:29 Pesticides, Farming, and Parkinson's Link

19:23 Water Contamination Awareness & Action

23:22 Choosing Clean Over Costly Organic

26:36 Consistent Healthy Eating Mindset

29:53 Sweets Worsen Parkinson's Symptoms

32:26 Enhanced Food Label Clarity

36:52 "Boost Health with Habits"

38:27 Artificial Sweeteners and Health Concerns

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/