iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

Parkinson’s disease and bone health: why I think screening should be mandatory. Gandhi and colleagues describe in a new paper that just dropped in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease why early bone health assessment should be part of routine Parkinson’s care, and I strongly agree.

052

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

Can we bring Parkinson’s physical therapy into the living room? A new telerehabilitation feasibility trial says YES. New paper in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease how individualized real time physiotherapy delivered via videoconference may improve activity and motor outcomes in early Parkinson’s.

021

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Spirituality and neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's. Could faith, meaning and purpose shape how folks cope and heal? Spirituality can play a powerful role in neurologic disease care, including PD and AD and how health care providers can better address it as part of whole care.

052

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

The people have spoken and the company is listening. We have reached a public health milestone. "This moment proves that advocacy, data and courage can change the trajectory of disease.” www.pdplan.org www.theguardian.com/environment/...

073

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Why is Parkinson disease growing worldwide? The 'bathtub analogy' explains the surge. A bathtub analogy means imagining disease cases like water filling a tub where inflow, outflow and drainage determine how high the water rises.

031

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Adaptive DBS and the future of walking: Proceedings is out from the XIII annual DBS Think Tank. The meeting gathered engineers, neuroscientists, industry partners and health care providers to discuss the evolving landscape of DBS, including adaptive stimulation for walking and more.

042

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Parkinson's Europe @parkinsonseurope.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

The more active you are, the easier it is to manage your Parkinson's symptoms. But some symptoms - like rigidity, anxiety and risk of falls - can make exercise daunting. 👉 Read our top tips on how to exercise safely with Parkinson's: buff.ly/5BHF8QB #Parkinsons #Parkinson

022

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Parkinson's Europe @parkinsonseurope.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

🚨 NEW: we're proud to launch our new Parkinson's Passport! Planning a holiday? ✈️ The Parkinson's Passport gives you a handy record of your important medical info, making travel with #Parkinsons less stressful. 👉 Download in French, English, Italian or German: buff.ly/8IbHN0Z #Parkinson

0218

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

A new important lens on demoralization in Parkinson’s disease. Do you have a plan if you encounter demoralization? Spoiler alert: Demoralization affects about 1 in 5 w/ Parkinson's. This is a must-read article. Demoralization is tragically under-recognized. #parkinson @parkinsondotorg.bsky.social

051

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Is it time to tame the brain’s fire? Neuroinflammation is emerging across Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, neurodegeneration and beyond. An important new Science article from Shi and colleagues pulls back the curtain on neuroinflammation. Could be a silent driver of destruction in Parkinson’s and beyond?

074

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

We have the guidelines, so why aren’t we referring to PT and other therapies for Parkinson’s? Let me say this clearly: There are strong evidence-based guidance to refer people w/ Parkinson’s to physical therapy early and regularly. Yet, it’s not happening. Why? #parkinson #physicaltherapy

011

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Constipation in Parkinson's is a huge unmet challenge. We must unclog the pipeline. Great article in HealthCentral this week shining light on this topic by Cheyenne Buckingham. She interviewed a few of us in the field and summarized approaches to treatment. #parkinson #constipation

011

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

The Royal Society @royalsociety.org · 23/06/2025

Disabled people should be involved from the outset in developing digital tools and services that are fundamental to work, life and play to maximise the transformative benefits they can bring says our new report on #DisabilityTechnology, released today.

Text over an abstract background, text reads:

Disability technology
How data and digital assistive technologies can support independent, fulfilled lives.

Read the report online.

The Royal Society

42212

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

The most complex disease in medicine is Parkinson's? YES. - Multiple organ systems. - Not a single disease. - A single biomarker or diagnostic test exists: no - Disease course is highly variable. - Complicated regimens. - Lot's of different symptoms, dopamine awakening, DBS and beyond.

062

Mark Hirsch @markahirsch.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

#WorldParkinsonDay! Collaboration is key. Let's take a moment to reaffirm that we will double our efforts for a cure to #Parkinsons in this moment!

000

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 11/11/2021

Check out the amazing Bas Bloem discussing: Citius, Fortius, Altius—Understanding Which Components Drive Exercise Benefits in Parkinson Disease ja.ma/3H4JzMG via @JAMANeuro part of @JAMANetwork @basbloem @DrISubramanian

ja.ma

Citius, Fortius, Altius—Understanding Which Components Dr...

The expression “citius, fortius, altius” (Latin for “fast...

011

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Parkinson's Europe @parkinsonseurope.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Today is #InternationalWomensDay ❤️ We're proud to mark the day with @salsbergmathews.bsky.social, who has released new illustrations of the Five Stages of Parkinson's (which typically depict older white men) featuring a diverse range of women. Find out more: buff.ly/VPYHHFw #IWD2025 #Parkinsons

02011

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Parkinson's, in my opinion, is the most complex disease in clinical medicine. Though it is nice to see these evidence-based reviews, we should keep our eye on the 'ball.' The ball is dynamic, and in Parkinson's will fluctuate over time, and especially with disease progression. Listen to the person.

0102

Mark Hirsch @markahirsch.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Have an idea for a short film on patient scientists

000

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Parkinson's Europe @parkinsonseurope.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

📋 If you've taken part in clinical trials, you'll probably have completed questionnaires (or PROMS - Patient-Reported Outcome Measures) about how you perceive your trial experience. Our Strategic Director Amelia has co-authored a paper about how to improve this process: buff.ly/41hdMTG

031

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

kk @lynnley.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

In case you need this today 💙

011

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

The idea that manipulating peripheral nerve afferents as a treatment for tremor is not crazy, however it needed to be tested. For this device, a highly controlled study revealed to us that vibrotactile stimulation failed to improve tremor.

062

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Can Sarica @cansarica.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

We’re thrilled to hear from Dr. Andreas Horn, this year’s Brain Stimulation Early Career Award winner, at #BrainStimConf today! Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition @andreashorn.org #BrainStim2025 @braistimjournal.bsky.social @braincircuits.bsky.social

1217

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Mark Hirsch @markahirsch.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

I've been living in a hot spot for 20 years

011

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Should you get a continuous glucose monitoring device to prevent dementia in diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and beyond? There is rising evidence. Historia vero testis temporum – history is the the witness of the ages – and it is thus time for researchers to put this to to the test.

021

Mark Hirsch @markahirsch.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

I've been living in a hot spot for 20 years

011

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 03/10/2023

Parkinson's disease progresses however levodopa does not stop working. There are long-term benefits. Levodopa response over time was documented in this study. Response to levodopa did not weaken after a 4-year follow-up in 63 fluctuators. Axial symptoms worsen. prd-journal.com/article/S135...

031

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 12/10/2023

Do you know the forgotten drugs that block dopamine receptors and worsen Parkinson's? Amisulpride (Barhemsys) Metoclopramide (Reglan, Gimoti) Droperidol (Inapsine) Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) Prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro). pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

143

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 12/10/2023

Do you know how many people hide their diagnosis of Parkinson's disease? HALF (50%). Can you believe it? Read this month's blog: everything you need to know about stigma and Parkinson's by Indu Subramanian with assist from Brad McDaniels and Soania Mathur. www.parkinsonsecrets.com/blog/what-yo...

188

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 04/11/2023

Do you know where the future of deep brain stimulation will take us? Andres Lozano in Singapore today and in nature reviews neurology. Great read!

094

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 05/11/2023

Where you live could be important for breathing particulate matter and later coming down with Parkinson's? Mississippi-Ohio River Valley? State-of-the-art geographic analytic techniques showed association between PM2.5 and PD that varied in strength by region. n.neurology.org/content/earl...

063

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 01/03/2024

I love the 'pivot' of regenerative medicine in Parkinson's disease toward the unmet need of treatment of cognition. I also love the picture of the two approaches 1- ‘ectopic placement' of cells. 2- the alternative implant into the substantia innominata and nucleus basalis of Meynert region.

141

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 15/11/2024

Did you know that half (50%) of persons with Parkinson's do not discuss the impact of Parkinson's on their driving ability w/ their healthcare teams? WOW! Why are we not continuously engaging folks from the time of diagnosis?

161

Mark Hirsch @markahirsch.bsky.social · 15/11/2024

Chronological or biologic age. You're not old. 100+ is old.

000

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Parkinson's Europe @parkinsonseurope.bsky.social · 14/11/2024

Our first post on Bluesky - hello! We're looking for the #Parkinson's community here. 👋 We've been the leading voice for #Parkinsons in Europe for over 30 years. Our team is small, but mighty! Let's grow a strong voice on Bluesky to share our experiences of living with Parkinson's. ❤️🌷

14549

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

David Peetz @davidpeetz.bsky.social · 14/11/2024

BREAKING NEW: Food and Drug Administration to be headed by the Late, Great, Hannibal Lecter.

1248564324797

Mark Hirsch @markahirsch.bsky.social · 15/11/2024

Wish we could accelerate! It's a major challenge to get any funding even for pilots or to entice colleagues to initiate collaborative applications.

110

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 14/11/2024

We are already at ~12 million cases worldwide w/ Parkinson's which is approaching where we thought we would be in 2040. Can we double down and spend some money and time on preventing cases and lifting the living? Only a few pennies on the dollar go to prevention research.

4169

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Michael Okun @michaelokun.bsky.social · 13/11/2024

Why is Parkinson's disease a pandemic? Easy, just look to the 'Greek' derivation of the words and open the dictionary My take: The growth, according to the latest numbers, is much faster than we estimated in 2018. Will we act or will we passively be swallowed? pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...

053

Reposted by Mark Hirsch

Sus Scrofa @susscrofa.bsky.social · 01/10/2024

Michael Okun: There will be a 150% increase in Parkinson after COVID like we saw in 1918 flu says expert researcher Richard Smeyne #mdscongress today. If he is right, we better prepare for this growth and redouble efforts in prevention, research and care! #parkinson

262