The Parkinson's Podcast

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts In this episode, we share excerpts from the Q and A portion of our April 2025 Living with Parkinson's Meetup, featuring audience questions about dancing and keeping rhythm even when it gets harder, managing REM sleep disorder, and deep brain stimulation (DBS). For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org. Season 6 Episode 8

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts This episode contains excerpts from the Q and A during our March 2025 Living with Parkinson's Meetup. In this Q and A, the panelists answer questions from the audience about accepting their diagnosis, surprising aspects of living with Parkinson's, posture, exercise, dental care, and young-onset Parkinson's (YOPD). For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org. Season 6 Episode 7

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts In this episode, Heather, Kat, and Chris address three audience questions: navigating the challenges of being denied disability benefits, a husband's struggle to discuss Parkinson's with his newly diagnosed wife, and the tough decision to leave work because of Parkinson's. They offer practical advice, personal insights, and support for those facing these difficult challenges. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org. Season 6 Episode 6 (Unfiltered Season 2 Episode 3)

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts In this episode, Dr. K explains how constipation affects Levodopa absorption, discusses protein's impact on medication effectiveness, and shares optimal strategies for taking Levodopa. This is an excerpt from one of our online educational events for the Parkinson's community. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org. Season 6 Episode 5

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode of The Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, the hosts explore a listener's question about overcoming creative barriers while living with Parkinson's. They discuss how to push past obstacles to creating art, as well as the powerful benefits art can offer to those with Parkinson's. From improving mental and physical well-being to fostering self-expression, this episode provides practical tips and inspiration for tapping into your creative potential. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org Season 6 Episode 4 (Unfiltered Season 2 Episode 2)

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast, hear from John Dean, a speech language pathologist who exclusively works with people with Parkinson's, about the impacts that Deep Brain Stimulation can have on speech and swallowing. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org Season 6 Episode 3

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. Dive into Leo Sarmiento's inspiring Parkinson's journey, where he transforms personal challenge into a powerful story of resilience, health, and purpose. From property maintenance to mental health advocacy, Leo shares how conscious choices and faith have shaped his path. Join us for an intimate conversation about overcoming obstacles and finding meaning in life's unexpected turns. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org Season 6 Episode 2

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. We hope you enjoy episode one of the second season of The Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered. This season, Unfiltered hosts, Heather and Kat, will answer questions from the podcast's audience. If you have a question for them, please send it in by visiting dpf.org/unfiltered. In this episode, Heather and Kay discuss a question they received from a listener whose care partner was going out of town for two weeks, and Heather responds to a question about what helps her when she experiences OFF periods. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org Season 6 Episode 1 (Unfiltered Season 2 Episode 1)

To donate, please visit https://dpf.org/2024donate. Together, we can continue to empower the Parkinson's community to live well today—and every day. In this episode of The Parkinson's Podcast, we describe some of the ways the Davis Phinney Foundation helps people living with Parkinson's live well today. By providing critical resources, fostering community, and offering expert insights, the Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's and their care partners.   By equipping the Parkinson's community with the tools and support they need, the Foundation helps those impacted by Parkinson's live full lives as they navigate their Parkinson's journey—today and in the future.   Your support helps make all of this possible. Every donation, no matter the size, helps expand our reach and ensure that life-changing resources are available to more people who need them.

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode, Dr. Arash Fazl discusses the role of the protein alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's and how this protein is involved in new diagnostic tests for Parkinson's. Dr. Fazl also shares how these new tests may contribute to additional exciting developments in the future.   This is part two of a two-part series about Parkinson's diagnosis. In the first episode, Dr. Fazl describes the challenges involved in diagnosing Parkinson's. This episode picks up in the middle of our conversation with Dr. Fazl, right where we ended the first episode.   This two-part series is sponsored by CND Life sciences, home of the Syn-One Test - the first commercially available skin-based test to help clinicians diagnose Parkinson's disease and related disorders.  Listen to Part 1 of this podcast series here: https://youtu.be/98AUXc2pgHo This two-part series is sponsored by CND Life sciences, home of the Syn-One Test - the first commercially available skin-based test to help clinicians diagnose Parkinson's disease and related disorders. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org Season 5 episode 36

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. This episode is part one of a two-part series about developments in Parkinson's diagnosis. In part 2, Dr. Fazl describes the development of new diagnostic tests, how they help, and what new information they can provide.   This two-part series is sponsored by CND Life sciences, home of the Syn-One Test—the first commercially available skin-based test to help clinicians diagnose Parkinson's disease and related disorders.   For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org Season 5 episode 35

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode, hosts Heather and Kat share what has been working well for them in their Parkinson's journeys, including meditation, avoiding over-scheduling, and finding purpose. They discuss the importance of nurturing meaningful connections while also maintaining boundaries to be true to themselves. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org Season 5 Episode 34 (Unfiltered 13)  This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you.  Click here to make a donation.

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode, leading Parkinson's expert Dr. Bas Bloem shares his perspective about the relationship of exercise to improved mood and cognition for people living with Parkinson's. This talk was recorded during one of our online educational events. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 33  

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.   In this episode, join Heather and Kat as they tackle one of the most challenging aspects of life with Parkinson's – the uncertainty that comes with living with a progressive condition. With humor and honesty, they share personal strategies for finding peace amidst unpredictable symptoms and the uncertainties of life with Parkinson's. Whether you're living with Parkinson's or supporting someone who is, this episode reminds us that while uncertainty is universal, we don't have to face it alone.  For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 32 (Unfiltered Episode 12)

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode, we present a Q&A session from one of our Davis Phinney Foundation live events. A Parkinson's care team - including a movement disorder specialist, physical therapist, and neuropsychologist - answers challenging questions about the disease. Our experts discuss cannabis use, forced exercise, hallucinations, and changes in sense of smell, while also addressing anxiety, intimacy, drooling, and more. This panel offers valuable insights into managing Parkinson's symptoms and improving quality of life. Speakers: Benzi Kluger, MD - Joanne Hamilton, Phd, ABPP - Erin Vestal, DPT, NCS For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 30

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. Parkinson's comes with a bit of grit—both in the sense of sand in the gears making things go less smoothly and in the sense of sand on ice to help with traction.   In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, Heather and Kat discuss how the moving through the rough spots with grace—both for others and for oneself—can help you live well with Parkinson's.  For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 29 (Unfilted Episode 11)

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode, Karen Frank, Michael Fitts, and Carol Clupny, share what a day in their life looks like with Parkinson's. This talk was recorded during one of our online educational events. You can learn more about our Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassadors by visiting: https://dpf.org/connect/ambassadors/  For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 29  

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. This episode is an interview with Roger Barker, Professor of Clinical Neuroscience and Honorary Consultant in Neurology, at the University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke's Hospital. Dr. Barker is known for his groundbreaking work combining basic research on novel therapies for chronic neurodegenerative disorders, like Parkinson's, with clinical studies aimed at better defining these conditions.  For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 28

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, Heather and Kat answer five of the most common questions they get asked about Parkinson's. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 27 (Unfiltered Episode 10)

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  In this episode, we feature Amy Carlson, who won the prestigious Moth Grand Slam storytelling contest in Los Angeles and shares how the power of storytelling transformed her journey with Parkinson's. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 26

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, Heather and Kat discuss what it's like to communicate in a fast-paced digital world while living with Parkinson's and all the ways it slows you down.  For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 25 (Unfiltered Episode 9)

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  This talk was recorded in 2013 at a Davis Phinney Foundation Victory Summit. In this episode, Dr. Jay L. Alberts explores the impact of forced exercise on Parkinson's symptoms. Recorded at one of our educational events, Dr. Alberts' research continues to shape exercise studies in Parkinson's. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 24

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  Join Heather, Kat, and special guest Jennifer Sullivan as they talk about the twists and turns of flirting, love, and intimacy when living with a body that may not always do what you want it to do. For more with Jennifer, visit her at https://www.thewigglesproject.com/. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 23 (Unfiltered Episode 8)

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  In this epsiode of The Parkinson's Podcast, Dr. Gary Leo discusses sleep challenges unique to people living with Parkinson's. Dr. Leo sheds light on the causes of these disruptions and offers some practical solutions for sleeping better. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 22

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, Kat and Heather discuss multiple ways pain and Parkinson's intersect. Listen in as Kat and Heather discuss dystonia, off times, the difficulty of determining whether pain is caused by Parkinson's or not, and more. Your hosts also have some tips and observations about how to manage pain--including some thoughts about complementary therapies, the importance of breathwork, and finding ways to remain level-headed no matter what challenge you may be facing. This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation.

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  In this episode, Roxann Diez-Gross, Ph.D., shares practical techniques for improving breathing and swallowing, vital functions that can be affected by Parkinson's disease. This talk was recorded during one of our online educational events. This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org  

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  In this episode of The Parkinson's Podcast: Unfiltered, as Heather continues the process of moving across the country, she and co-host Kat chat about the curating personal relationships amidst the challenges of living the Parkinson's. Heather and Kat discuss ways to navigate all types of relationships—from friendships and marriages to connections with strangers. At every step, they highlight the importance of staying connected. This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation.  

This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. In this episode, Dr. Fleisher emphasizes the realness of pain in Parkinson's by explaining the causes of pain, how to talk to your doctor about your pain, and additional medical and non-medical management strategies. Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  Click here to learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's.  Season 5 Episode 18 Read More  

This content is made possible by the generous support of viewers and listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. As Heather plans to move to a new house, in this episode, Heather and Kat, talk about the importance and challenges of curating your physical space while living with Parkinson's. Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  Click here to learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's. 

In this episode, Dr. Joanne Hamilton of Advanced Neurobehavioral Health, delves into the non-motor and cognitive symptoms of Parkinson's and provides practical strategies for symptom management. This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  Click here to learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's.  Season 5 Episode 16

This content is made possible by the generous support of viewers and listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Do you "have" Parkinson's or do you "live with" Parkinson's? Do you "fight" your diagnosis? If so, can you do something “wrong” and “lose the battle”? In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, Heather and Kat discuss the significance of the words we use when talking about our lives. Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  Click here to learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's. 

This content is made possible by the generous support of viewers and listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Explore David Putterman's journey from professional drummer to person living with Parkinson's and back to the stage, revealing how reconnecting with music--supported by a music therapist--improved his quality of life and helped alleviate his Parkinson's symptoms. You can watch David Putterman's Mini-Documentary "Fighting Parkinson's With Drums" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_8xT3p7ld4&t=126s You can contact David Putterman by email at parkinsonsdrummer@gmail.com Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  Click here to learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's.  Season 5 Episode 14

This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, Heather and Kat discuss how they approach the sadness, loss, and grief while still finding joy and productive ways to live well today. Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  Click here to learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's.  Season 5 Episode 13 (Unfiltered Episode 3)

This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation.  In this episode, join us for an inspiring conversation with Michelle David Lane and Susan Sapir-Fields, the founders of Louisiana Walks (LA Walks) for Parkinson's. Discover the heartwarming story behind this annual fundraiser benefiting the Davis Phinney Foundation. To learn more about the Louisiana Walks fundraiser, please visit: https://parkinsonswalk.org Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  Click here to learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's. Season 5 Episode 12

The Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered: Sex This content is made possible by the generous support of viewers and listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. In this episode of The Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, Heather Kennedy and Kat Hill dive deep into the importance and challenges of sexual health for people with Parkinson's. Strap in for the ride: as always, with Heather and Kat and The Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, nothing is off the table. Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  Click here to learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's.  Season 5 Episode 11 (Unfiltered Episode 2)

This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation.  Mobility Matters: NexStride and the Parkinson's Community In this episode, we chat with Sidney Collin, the inventor of NexStride: a device transforming mobility for people with Parkinson's. Join us as Sidney shares the journey from idea to creation, offering insights about her innovative solution and overarching mission to empower people with confidence and independence. To learn more about NexStride and DeOro Devices, please visit: https://www.getnexstride.com/ or email: info@deorodevices.com To learn more about the Parkinson's wellness fund, please visit: https://parkinsonswellnessfund.org/ Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  Click here to learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's.    Season 5 Episode 10

This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. In the debut episode of The Parkinson's Podcast: Unfiltered, hosts Heather Kennedy and Kat Hill explore the often overlooked stigma surrounding Parkinson's. Through personal stories and insights, they challenge misconceptions and explore how shifting narratives can empower minds and reshape perceptions. Tune in for a fresh perspective on living with Parkinson's.  Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube.  Click here to learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's.  Season 5 Episode 9 (Unfiltered Episode 1)

This content is made possible through generous donations made by our listeners.  In this episode, panelists discuss ways that Parkinson's has affected their abilities and how they navigate these changes. As always, this panel doesn't hold back, and we're so fortunate to have them tell the hard truths and share their journeys with all of us. Want to watch the video version of this podcast? You can watch it on our YouTube!

This content is made possible through generous donations made by our listeners.  In this episode, Dr. Karunapuzha discusses advanced Parkinson's with Davis Phinney Foundation Executive Director Polly Dawkins. Dr. Karunapuzha covers multiple interpretations of what “advanced Parkinson's” means, what symptoms are associated with advanced Parkinson's, and possible ways to manage those symptoms. Want to watch the video version of this podcast? You can watch it on our YouTube! Are you loving the Parkinson's Podcast? You can listen to more episodes on our website!

This content is made possible through generous donations made by our listeners.  In this episode, discover the story behind Izzy Mokotoff and Alexis Chan's innovative pen for people living with Parkinson's: SteadyScrib. Learn about their journey and motivations--inspired by Izzy's grandfather--and the impending launch of SteadyScrib, set to publicly debut later this year. Want to learn more about SteadyScrib? Find out more about their mission on their website. Want to watch the video version of this podcast? You can watch it on our YouTube! Are you loving the Parkinson's Podcast? You can listen to more episodes on our website!

This content is made possible through donations made by our listeners. In this episode, Mark Stacy, MD, and Peter Schmidt, PhD, discuss participation in clinical trials for Parkinson's. Dr. Stacy is currently a Professor of Neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina, and has been involved in Parkinson's care and research for over 30 years. Dr. Schmidt, a Davis Phinney Foundation board member, is the Chief Scientific Officer for Rho: a company that supports clinical trial strategy, design, and operations. Want to read the article associated with this podcast? Check it out on our website! Want to watch the video version of this podcast? You can watch it on our YouTube! Are you loving the Parkinson's Podcast? You can listen to more episodes on our website!

This content is made possible by the generous support of viewers and listeners like you.  This is a special edition of the Parkinson's Podcast, presented by the No Barriers Podcast. Join us for a candid conversation with Davis Phinney, co-founder of the Davis Phinney Foundation, and Kevin Kwok, a Foundation board member, as they share their compelling journeys with Parkinson's. To learn more about the No Barriers Podcast, please visit: https://nobarriersusa.org/podcast/ Are you loving the Parkinson's Podcast? You can listen to more episodes on our website! This content includes information about Parkinson's and insights from our Parkinson's community. It is not intended as a substitute for treatment advice from your own medical providers.

This content is made possible by the generous support of viewers and listeners like you. If you would like to make a donation, please visit our website. In this episode, music therapist Hadley Rentz from Music Worx, Inc., explains the benefits of music therapy for people living with Parkinson's. To learn more about Music Worx, Inc. and their AudAbility virtual music therapy class for people living with Parkinson's, visit MusicWorx.com. You can subscribe to learn more about Music Worx, Inc. here. To learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation programs in Spanish, please visit our Spanish site. Are you loving the Parkinson's Podcast? You can listen to more episodes on our website! This content includes information about Parkinson's and insights from our Parkinson's community. It is not intended as a substitute for treatment advice from your own medical providers.

This content is made possible by the generous support of viewers and listeners like you. If you would like to make a donation, please visit our website. In this episode, Dr. Yasar Torres-Yaghi answers questions about OFF time in Parkinson's, including symptoms, medications, deep brain stimulation, and more. Are you loving the Parkinson's Podcast? You can listen to more episodes on our website! Want to read the article associated with this podcast? Check it out on our website! Want to watch the video version of this podcast? You can watch it on our YouTube! This content includes information about Parkinson's and insights from our Parkinson's community. It is not intended as a substitute for treatment advice from your own medical providers.

This content is made possible by the generous support of viewers and listeners like you. If you would like to make a donation, please visit our website. Wayne Gilbert--a retired teacher and professor of English and educational psychology--was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2005. Since his diagnosis, he has taken refuge in poetry, having written hundreds of "Parkie" poems, which he refers to as "metaphor medicine." In this episode, Wayne explains the importance of using metaphors in poetry to navigate the complexities of living with Parkinson's and performs a few of his favorite poems. Loving the Parkinson's Podcast? Listen to more episodes on our website! The information in this podcast is for general information purposes only. It includes information about Parkinson's and insights from our Parkinson's community. It is not intended as a substitute for treatment advice from your own medical providers.

This content is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you. If you would like to make a donation, please visit:https://dpf.org/podcastdonation In this interview, Dr. Apurva Zawar, PT, DPT, discusses one of the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's, pain, the different types of pain, and where you can find tools and resources to manage it. Want to watch the video version of this podcast? You can watch it on our YouTube! Are you loving the Parkinson's Podcast? You can listen to more episodes on our website! The information in this podcast is for general information purposes only. It includes information about Parkinson's and insights from our Parkinson's community. It is not intended as a substitute for treatment advice from your own medical providers. Relevant Links Pain in PD  Self-Assessment Tool  Dr. Zawar's Clinic Beyond Rehab Dr. Zawar's program for pain in Parkinson's Contact Dr. Zawar  

This content is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you. If you would like to make a donation, please visit: https://dpf.org/podcastdonation In this session from the Victory Summit Virtual Event: Sleep and Parkinson's, Dr. Aleksander Videnovic explains sleep attacks, RBD (REM Sleep Disorder), Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), Insomnia, Daytime Sleepiness, Drowsiness, Fatigue, as well as how to manage these, the importance of understanding and attending to your circadian biology and using things like light and timing of exercise and medications to improve sleep. Want to read the article associated with this podcast? Check it out on our website! Want to watch the video version of this podcast? You can watch it on our YouTube! Are you loving the Parkinson's Podcast? You can listen to more episodes on our website!

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a highly effective and reasonably safe treatment for Parkinson's; however, it's also frequently misunderstood by people who have been recently diagnosed. The success stories about how people are sometimes living symptom and medication-free as a result of getting DBS understandably lead many who've been newly diagnosed to want to get the treatment as soon as possible. In an earlier webinar, we invited an esteemed panel of experts to talk about Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). You can do so here if you haven't watched that session yet. In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast, we spoke with six people with Parkinson's who've had DBS. We discussed: How to begin the process How to talk to your family and friends about DBS and your hopes and concerns about it What to expect during the approval process What the surgery is really like (and do you have to shave your head) What recovery is like and what kind of support you might need The challenges of programming your device and the joy that comes when you get it right The myths, challenges, and victories of DBS And more! We hope you enjoy it! Want to read the article associated with this podcast? Check it out on our website! Want to watch the video version of this podcast? You can watch it on our YouTube! Are you loving the Parkinson's Podcast? You can listen to more episodes on our website! Want to learn more about Deep Brain Stimulation? Check out our DBS Hub here! This content is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you. If you would like to make a donation, please visit: https://dpf.org/podcastdonation  

In this episode, Dr. Bastiaan Bloem talks with Davis Phinney Foundation Executive Director, Polly Dawkins, about a recent article he co-authored, "The Elephant in the Room: Critical Reflections on Mortality Rates Among Individuals with Parkinson's Disease." In the article, Dr. Bloem et al. write, "Although the survival of people with Parkinson's has improved over time, people with Parkinson's still live fewer years than their age- and sex-matched population comparators, albeit at older ages this difference can be small." Dr. Bloem and his co-authors also acknowledge that doctors and researchers "often emphasize the tremendous impact of [Parkinson's] on an individual's life. However, in public awareness campaigns, we largely avoid discussions on the survival of people with Parkinson's..." It's understandable: the topic of mortality and Parkinson's is often painful. However, in this episode of The Parkinson's Podcast, Dr. Bloem argues out that openly acknowledging that Parkinson's shortens lifespans is a good thing for people with Parkinson's for a multiple reasons. Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Bloem's perspective about multiple topics related to mortality and Parkinson's, including: The commonly held view that people die with Parkinson's, not from Parkinson's Pesticides, chemical exposure, and other environmental risks Reasons for hope, including specific advice about exercise and diet The policy and funding implications of candid discussion of mortality in Parkinson's Want to read the article associated with this podcast? Check it out on our website! Want to watch the video version of this podcast? You can watch it on our YouTube! Loving the Parkinson's Podcast? You can listen to more episodes on our website!

In this episode, Dr. Bastiaan Bloem talks with Davis Phinney Foundation Executive Director, Polly Dawkins, about a recent article he co-authored, "The Elephant in the Room: Critical Reflections on Mortality Rates Among Individuals with Parkinson's Disease." In the article, Dr. Bloem et al. write, "Although the survival of people with Parkinson's has improved over time, people with Parkinson's still live fewer years than their age- and sex-matched population comparators, albeit at older ages this difference can be small." Dr. Bloem and his co-authors also acknowledge that doctors and researchers "often emphasize the tremendous impact of [Parkinson's] on an individual's life. However, in public awareness campaigns, we largely avoid discussions on the survival of people with Parkinson's..." It's understandable: the topic of mortality and Parkinson's is often painful. However, in this episode of The Parkinson's Podcast, Dr. Bloem argues out that openly acknowledging that Parkinson's shortens lifespans is a good thing for people with Parkinson's for a multiple reasons. Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Bloem's perspective about multiple topics related to mortality and Parkinson's, including: The commonly held view that people die with Parkinson's, not from Parkinson's Pesticides, chemical exposure, and other environmental risks Reasons for hope, including specific advice about exercise and diet The policy and funding implications of candid discussion of mortality in Parkinson's Loving the Parkinson's Podcast? You can listen to more episodes on our website!

During this episode of The Parkinson's Podcast, panelists from our Living with Parkinson's meetup discussed fear and Parkinson's. They talked about the difference between shame, guilt, and embarrassment, and they shared the various ways shame shows up for them. Again, this panel doesn't hold back, and we're so fortunate to have them tell the hard truth and share their journeys with all of us. In this episode, topics discussed include: Feeling a loss of relevance Shame when I was diagnosed Shame around impulse control Side-effects of medications and shame Importance of community to overcome shame and more! We hope you enjoy! Want to read the article associated with this podcast? Check it out on our website! Want to watch the video version of this podcast? You can watch it on our YouTube! Loving the Parkinson's Podcast? You can listen to more episodes on our website! Want to come to the next Living with Parkinson's Meetup? Join us on the third Thursday of every month at 1 pm MDT by registering here.