The Caring Neurologist

• Reimagining Parkinson's Care: Dr. Thakkar's Vision for a True Multidisciplinary Center of Excellence

  Welcome back to The Caring Neurologist, where science meets storytelling and every conversation brings us closer to better care. In this episode, Dr. Sandeep Thakkar pulls back the curtain on a transformative vision for Parkinson’s and movement disorder care - a vision that challenges the outdated, fragmented healthcare system and reimagines what true, patient-centered excellence should look like.You’ll hear Dr. Thakkar’s bold blueprint for a Center of Excellence: an integrated space where patients access everything from advanced clinical care and cutting-edge research, to on-site physical and speech therapy, nutrition consultations, mental health support, wearables, and even real-time technology solutions - all under one roof. We’ll dive deep into the frustrations patients and their families face navigating the system, the gaps in access and coordination, and why innovation in research and technology can’t wait another decade to reach people who need it most. If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible when we stop settling for the status quo - and how multidisciplinary, tech-enabled, compassionate care could revolutionize the patient experience - this episode is for you. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, clinician, or someone who believes in progress, you won’t want to miss this inspiring discussion about building a better future for neurological care.Timestamps:00:00 Integrated Community Parkinson's Care06:56 Comprehensive Care for Chronic Illnesses08:24 Healthcare Access Without Limitations11:09 Accessible Healthcare for All Patients17:00 "Sensor Technology in Healthcare Monitoring"18:08 Innovative Clinical Data Collection23:58 Vision for a 21st Century Healthcare27:06 Apple Watch Alerts Parkinson's Risk31:25 Telemedicine Expansion in Healthcare34:58 Comprehensive Health Clinic Vision36:32 Expanding Parkinson's Research Network39:32 Supportive Patient Inspires Podcast Efforts43:38 Advocate in Healthcare and Research48:02 "Visionary Healthcare: Building the Future"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/

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• Movement is Medicine: How Exercise Transforms Parkinson’s Care and Quality of Life

  Welcome back to The Caring Neurologist! In this energizing episode, lucky number 13, host Dr. Sandeep Thakkar for a deep dive into one of the hottest topics in Parkinson’s care: movement as medicine. Together, they explore how exercise is not just symptom management, but an active tool in reshaping the progression and daily experience of Parkinson’s disease.Dr. Thakkar shares the latest research about the brain-boosting powers of movement, from increasing dopamine and neurotrophic factors to helping regulate mood, sleep, and even digestion. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a caregiver, or just looking to boost your neural health, you’ll come away with practical tips for building a balanced exercise routine tailored to your stage of Parkinson’s and abilities. Plus, you’ll hear real patient stories that prove it’s never too late to get moving, be it through dance, boxing, or even picking up juggling for the first time.So if you’re curious about whether consistency or intensity matters most, if you want advice on starting safely, or if you’re just seeking a bit of motivation, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and inspiration to help you—and those you love, keep moving forward.00:00 Healthcare Insights: Focus on Exercise04:03 Parkinson's: Stretching and Balance Essentials07:45 Exercise Boosts Brain Health10:10 Holistic Exercise for Parkinson's Care12:51 Essential Strength Training with Pilates17:01 Improving Mobility and Coordination Techniques21:58 Coordinated Exercise Benefits23:32 Holistic Exercise for Wellness26:17 Balanced Daily Exercise Routine28:59 Parkinson's: High-Intensity Exercise Benefits34:48 Future Book Plans: Patient Success Stories38:15 Exercise Revives Sex Life for Seniors39:02 Maximize Life, Stay ActiveThe 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/

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• Hormones, Symptoms, and Support: What We’re Missing About Women with Parkinson’s

  Welcome back to The Caring Neurologist! In today’s episode, host Dr. Sandeep Thakkar dives deep into a topic too often overlooked: the unique challenges women face with Parkinson’s disease. Although Parkinson’s is typically studied and portrayed as affecting everyone similarly often depicted as an older man with hallmark symptoms today’s conversation unpacks why that perspective misses the mark for women, and what important gaps remain in our understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Parkinson’s in female patients.Dr. Thakkar explores how hormones like estrogen impact risk and progression, why women are often diagnosed later than men, and how symptom presentation, side effects, and even clinical research representation differ between the sexes. They also talk candidly about the emotional, psychological, and caregiving burdens unique to women living with Parkinson’s, and discuss actionable steps for doctors, advocates, and patients to move toward more gender-aware care.If you’re curious about the science, the lived experience, and what the future of Parkinson’s care could look like for women, this episode is not to be missed. Let’s get started!00:00 Parkinson's Misrepresentation in Research05:49 Gender-Neutral Healthcare Challenges07:19 Gender Disparities in Health Care12:08 Estrogen's Protective Role in Parkinson's16:07 Gender Differences in Disease Progression17:52 Misdiagnosed Health Struggles22:18 Women's Health & Environmental Risks27:00 Gender Differences in Treatment Response27:52 Addressing Gender Bias in Research32:29 Personalized Neurotransmitter Therapy for Women36:01 Gender Differences in Disease Experience40:01 Exploring Hormonal Therapies' Future41:01 Anticipating Episode 13The 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/

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• The Hidden Connection Between Parkinson's and Sleep Disorders: Why Rest Really Matters

  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 Dreams11:53 "Sleep Disruptions and PTSD Patterns"14:05 Medication Side Effects: Insomnia and Daytime Sleepiness19:38 Dopamine's Impact on Sleep and Cognition22:53 Sleep Deprivation and Health Impact26:12 Discussing Vivid Dream Causes28:47 Improve Sleep with Daily Habits31:08 Parkinson's and Sleep Disruption34:06 "Sugar's Impact on Sensitive Brains"39:36 Hopeful Advancements in Sleep Therapy40:40 Adaptive DBS and New Parkinson’s Treatments44:13 "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/

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• Personalized Medicine and the Next Frontier for Movement Disorders

  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 Advances03:28 Gene Therapy for Parkinson's07:24 Gene Editing: CRISPR Explored12:43 GBA1 Mutation in Parkinson's Disease16:15 Gene Therapy: A Parkinson's Update17:09 Revolutionizing Care in Neurology21:26 Gene Therapy Advancements in Huntington's Disease26:17 Gene Therapy Delivery Challenges29:43 Genetic Insights in Parkinson's Prevention33:23 Understanding Future Changes in Gene Therapy36:16 Balance Excitement and Challenges37:37 Ozzy Osbourne's Impactful LegacyThe 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/

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