Associate Professor Florin Gandor, a neurologist and movement disorders specialist at Macquarie University Hospital, presented at the Macquarie University Parkinson’s Disease Research Clinic Public Forum hosted by Professor Simon Lewis of Macquarie University. His presentation focused on “smart” therapies for advanced Parkinson’s disease, offering attendees a clear and accessible understanding of treatment options beyond standard medications.
A/Prof Gandor has extensive international experience in neurology, having completed his Doctor of Medicine at Charité Medical University Berlin in 2006 and his specialist neurology training in Germany in 2014. He trained and worked across both Berlin and Sydney, including serving as a senior consultant neurologist at a specialised movement disorders hospital in Germany until 2024. His contributions to the field have been recognised with the prestigious Robert Wartenberg Award and Lecture in 2021. At Macquarie University Hospital, he has focused on Parkinson’s disease, atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, and swallowing disorders, and now leads Macquarie University Health’s smart therapies program for advanced Parkinson’s disease.
In his forum presentation, A/Prof Gandor addressed the challenges that arise as Parkinson’s disease progresses, particularly when standard oral medications become less effective. He explained that many individuals experience motor fluctuations, commonly referred to as “wearing off,” as well as dyskinesias—uncontrolled, involuntary movements—and a range of non-motor symptoms such as anxiety. These complications can significantly impact quality of life and often signal the need to consider more advanced treatment approaches.
A central focus of the lecture was device-assisted, or “smart,” therapies, which are designed to provide more continuous and consistent delivery of treatment compared to oral medications. A/Prof Gandor presented a lay-friendly overview of several key therapies supported by clinical research. These included apomorphine infusion, foslevodopa infusion, intestinal levodopa gel therapy, deep brain stimulation, and MR-guided focused ultrasound. He explained how each therapy works, the symptoms it is designed to address, and the benefits and limitations demonstrated in published studies.
Importantly, A/Prof Gandor emphasised the role of timing and patient selection in achieving the best outcomes. He highlighted that early consideration and referral for advanced therapies can be crucial, as delaying assessment may limit available options. The presentation provided attendees with practical guidance on who may benefit from these treatments and when they should be introduced in the disease course.
He also addressed key real-world considerations that influence treatment decisions, including the presence of cognitive symptoms, age, other medical conditions, and individual lifestyle factors. By outlining these considerations in clear terms, A/Prof Gandor helped attendees understand how treatment plans are tailored to each individual.
Overall, his presentation reflected a strong commitment to translating complex neurological advances into meaningful, patient-centred care. By demystifying smart therapies and clarifying their role in managing advanced Parkinson’s disease, A/Prof Gandor equipped attendees with valuable knowledge to support informed decision-making and discussions with their healthcare teams.
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