Filip Scheperjans, MD, PhD, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland, gives an overview of the latest research into the role of the microbiome in Parkinson’s disease (PD), as discussed during his talk at EAN 2021 titled ‘Does the gut microbiota play a role in neurodegenerative disorders?’. Differences in the composition of the gut microbiome in patients with PD are well evidenced, with several case-control studies defining specific changes frequently found to be associated with PD. Beyond this, research looking into the functional impact of these changes. How the microbiome relates to specific symptoms and disease progression is a notable area of interest. Dr Scheperjans goes on to mention investigations into the gut microbiome in Alzheimer’s disease where data is less advanced. This interview took place during the European Academy of Neurology 2021 congress.