Transversal Workshop Neurology–Gastroenterology: The Origin of Parkinson’s Disease

On May 23, 2025, the Fundació Acadèmia de Ciències Mèdiques i de la Salut de Catalunya i de Balears in Barcelona hosted the I Transversal Workshop Neurology–Gastroenterology, held in a hybrid format combining in-person and online participation. Organised by Dr. Beatriz Lobo (Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, VHIR, CIBEREHD) and Dr. Ariadna Laguna (VHIR–CIBERNED), and supported by CIBEREHD, the workshop brought together experts to advance knowledge on the gut-brain axis and its role in Parkinson’s disease.

The event was endorsed by CIBERNED, CIBEREHD, ASENEM, ESNM, and SEPD, and sponsored by Aboca, Bial, Devintec, Pileje, and Stada. It was accredited by the Consell Català de Formació Continuada de les Professions Sanitàries.

Key objectives included presenting the latest evidence on gut-brain interactions in neurological diseases, strengthening connections between neurology and gastroenterology professionals, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, and sharing research and best practices.

A total of 48 participants (29 in-person, 16 online) from clinical, research, and academic backgrounds attended. The programme featured keynote lectures by renowned experts:

• Prof. Filip Scheperjans (HUS University Hospital, Helsinki) on GI dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease from a neurologist’s perspective.
• Prof. Tim Vanuytsel (UZ Leuven) on GI manifestations in Parkinson’s from the neurogastroenterologist’s perspective.
• Prof. Yolanda Sanz (CSIC-IATA) on the role of gut bacteria in stress and depression.
• Dr. Jaione Valle Turrillas (IdAB-CSIC) on the intestinal microbiota’s amyloid production and neurodegeneration.

A final roundtable encouraged lively discussion and audience interaction, both onsite and online. Participant feedback highlighted high satisfaction with the programme’s scientific quality, interdisciplinary exchange, and networking opportunities. Suggestions for improvement included accessibility, technical setup, and venue logistics. This successful first edition created a valuable platform for collaboration between neurology and gastroenterology — paving the way for future joint research and continued dialogue.