Shows
The Parkinson's Experience podcast120 Vestibular Therapy - Your Inner Ear and You The range of symptoms and affected body systems in Parkinson’s disease is extensive. One area that is less frequently discussed is the vestibular system—the inner ear structure directly connected to the brain, responsible for balance and spatial orientation. When this system malfunctions, individuals may experience dizziness, balance problems and an increased risk of falls, highlighting its importance in your overall health. With aging, the inner ear naturally becomes less robust. Although current research has not yet identified a definitive cause for the higher incidence of vestibular dysfunction in people with Parkinson's disease, effective interventions are avai...
2025-08-0544 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast119 Driving Advice for Parkinson'sOne of the possibilities along the Parkinson’s journey is losing the ability to drive safely. This possibility is a scary one. For many, driving equals independence. So, it means more than just the hassle of getting around. It means losing your independence. It can lead to depression and anxiety. However, it is important to be safe on the road while driving a multi-ton vehicle. We must protect ourselves, our family, and others on the road. So, we are talking today with an Occupational Therapist who is so passionate about this topic that she started a business fo...
2025-07-2230 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast118 FREE Parkinson's Wellness in Austin & OnlineWhere do you exercise? Is there a place you can take classes specific for people with Parkinson’s? Is it convenient? I know of only a handful of cities where there is a one stop fits all approach to PD wellness. Most are created and managed by someone stepping up and doing the work to make it happen for their community and beyond. I am excited to highlight some of these magical places where people with Parkinson’s take classes designed for their needs, provide social support, and community. I am thrilled to bring. you this first magi...
2025-07-0938 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast117 Why We Struggle with SleepDo you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, getting enough sleep? Well, you are not alone. It seems lack of sleep is an epidemic in the US. In particular, getting a restful night’s sleep is very difficult for the majority of people with Parkinson’s. Why? What is going on and how can we improve our the quantity and quality of our sleep? This is a meaty topic to tackle. It is very important to understand it and make changes to improve your situation. Luckly, we were able to get a highly qualified expert on sleep disor...
2025-06-1852 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast116 Smell Loss and the BrainDid you know there is a connection between loss of smell and Parkinson’s disease? In fact, it may turn out to be a predictor of the disease up to 10 years before a clinic diagnosis of PD. Here are some interesting stats: · 100% of major brain disorders are associated with smell loss · 96% of newly diagnosed people with Parkinson’s have lost some ability to smell · 70% of people living with smell loss don’t know it until they are tested · 50% of people over the age of 60 may be living with smell loss I am fortunate to have spoken to a leader in the research of sme...
2025-05-2825 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast115 Make Your Voices Heard: Ban Chemicals that Cause DiseasesThis is a very important topic and one in which you can make a difference. Our environment is sickening the population. Parkinson’s disease is one example of a condition that likely was caused by pesticides and other toxic chemicals in our water, food, air and soil. All of us can contribute to preventing future generations from getting Parkinson’s and other diseases. Those already diagnosed may benefit as well. If we avoid these chemicals now, we may slow the progression of the disease just as exercise has been proven to do so. Bottom line: we need to work toge...
2025-05-0732 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast114 World's Toughest Row - a story of endurance, strength and friendship$41M, 41 days, 2800 miles. Those are the stats for Team Human Potential who competed in the World’s Toughest Row. The boat race happens annually and showcases teams of four, rowing across the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii. Patrick Morrisey with Team Human Potential became the first person with Parkinson’s to finish the race. They raised over $41M for the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research. Amazing. We spoke with Patrick and his skipper, Brendan Cusick about their experiences, challenges, commitment, and learnings on the trip. What did it reveal about working together and becomi...
2025-04-0846 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast113 Gait and Balance ExplainedIt is difficult to believe that in the over 100 episodes of the Parkinson's Experience, we have not talked extensively about gait and balance. Gait and balance is something a lot of us Parkies face at some point in our journey. This symptom can be very scary and life limiting and, therefore, important. Why does this happen and what can we do? I spoke with a researcher in this space, Dr. Dan Peterson, who has a lab and studies people with movement disorders and making some progress on finding some help. The discussion is next. Stay tuned. Resources:
2025-03-2753 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast112 Owning Your Truth - a YOPD StorySome of my favorite episodes are when we hear personal stories from people on the same journey as us. Every story is different but all of them can help us find our way, learn from each other and get motivated to live your best life. On today’s episode, I have a conversation with Lisa Volenec. She was diagnosed as young onset PD which is defined as diagnosed at age of less than 50. It is estimated that only about 10% of the PD population is diagnosed with young onset. However, we know this is growing due to many factors including pe...
2025-03-1042 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast111 The New Medication Delivery Pumps ExplainedHave you heard about the new medication delivery systems or pumps recently approved by the FDA? It has generated a lot of buzz at support groups, clinics and social media. What do these pumps do that makes them different and a new tool for our Movement Disorder Specialist to use to help People with Parkinson's live well with Parkinson’s? What can you expect? When should I ask my doctor about if its right for me? I asked Dr. Ospina these questions and more, including the new long-acting oral levodopa called Crexont. She has answered other important que...
2025-02-2629 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast109 Connect and Prepare for the HeatAs the earth continues to get warmer and we see record high temperatures across the globe, scientists tell us that this pattern is going to continue and be more common. Higher temperatures, more frequently has led to more heat strokes and other conditions when people aren’t prepared for this situation. Additionally, people with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s are at greater risk for heat related complications, A recent article published in JAMA Neurology, describes the issue, what to look for, and how we, as individuals and community, can help to prevent people from heat related complications. It wa...
2025-02-1334 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast108 Parkinson's Research Update - The Future Is BrightWe are well into 2025 so saying Happy New Year is not appropriate anymore. I think now people are asking others how they are doing with their resolutions. I have just one goal this year and that is to learn something new. I’ll let you know how I do. Send me your resolutions in the comment section. I am excited for you to listen to my conversation with Dr. Brian Fiske, Chief Scientist for the MJFF. I like to kick off the new year/new season with a medication update. This year we are going to get an...
2025-01-2856 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast107 Is Your Hearing Loss Related to Parkinson's?I had a random request from a listener a few months ago. She was struggling with her hearing and wondered if it could be another symptom of Parkinson’s. My first thought was no, I hadn’t heard of that before. But, I told her I would look into it. To my surprise, hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is another gift PD can give. So, let’s explore the what, how, and why People with Parkinson’s may experience hearing loss or APD. First we will learn about the differences between hearing loss and APD which is...
2024-12-1741 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast106 Care Partner StoriesAs we wind down the year with a final couple of episodes, this may be the most important topic. November is caregivers’ awareness month. The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) mission is to promote resourcefulness and respect for tens of millions of family caregivers across the country. This not-for-profit organization is responsible for caregivers’ awareness month. It is vital that we recognize this important person in our lives. They are the unsung heroes in our journey with Parkinson’s or any other chronic disease. They are often overworked, overlooked, and overwhelmed. These important people are part of the care team and shoul...
2024-11-2633 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast105 Hacks - Strategies for Life's ChallengesThis episode is one of the reasons I started this podcast called the Parkinson’s Experience. We have four people with Parkinson’s including myself sharing their lived experiences with all of you. The subject is the hacks we use to compensate for challenges we face while living our best life with Parkinson’s. So, what is the definition of “hacks’? If you Google it, you will first see links to the HBO show of the same name. Not helpful for this purpose. Basically, most definitions I found were of negative connotations like hacking a computer or IT system...
2024-11-2141 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast104 Brain on Art After the series on Art Therapy, I was reflecting on all the great stories of how each guest truly benefited from their experiences with their mode of creative expression. It isn’t just people with Parkinson’s benefiting. Everyone can benefit from attempting a new art activity or going back to what you used to enjoy. Then I started thinking what happens in our brains and body? How do these activities provide such joy and symptom relief? I spoke with the Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at University of Arizona about the effects of the arts on t...
2024-10-0226 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast103 Art Therapy Part 4 The Joy and Benefits of MusicI’ve had a wonderful time this summer speaking with people with Parkinson’s who have found joy, meaning and symptom relief using one or more forms of artistic expression - let’s call it art therapy. If you haven’t listened to the first three, please do. I found inspiration and information in each one. I hope you will as well. This is the fourth episode in our art series and the topic is music. Just like the others we have discussed; music therapy involves no pills and side effects. There are ongoing research on music’s effect on...
2024-09-1235 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast102 Art Therapy Part 3 Writing Keeps Your Brain Active and LearningWelcome to Part 3 of our series on the influence the Arts have on people with Parkinson’s and frankly most other conditions. It’s amazing what scientists are discovering about how much music, dance, painting, etc can be beneficial for brain health. I’ve been humbled by our guests. The more I listen to these amazing, brave people, the more I’m impressed by their skills, reliance and courage. It takes guts and dedication to start something new or continue to hone your craft while managing a progressive neurodegenerative disease. In this episode, we are really l...
2024-08-2723 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast101 Art Therapy Part 2 - Dancing the Symptoms AwayWelcome to part two of our four-part series on the arts and Parkinson’s disease. If you haven’t listened to part one, you can definitely listen to this one but I encourage you to listen to part 1 on photography and hearing from our guest, Torrance York, who spoke passionately about photography and how it helps her gain perspective on her journey with Parkinson’s. In this episode, I am thrilled to have Pat Beilman as my guest to discuss dancing and it’s benefits for PwP and others. Dancing can help with your coordination, balance, core strength...
2024-08-2026 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast100 Reverse Mic in Recognition of 100 EpisodesSo, I hope you enjoyed the first episode in our four-part series on the Arts and their potential for a better quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. We are going to take a quick brake in the series since this is the 100th episode of the Parkinson’s Experience. To celebrate and acknowledge he 100th episode, the interviewer became the interviewee. One of my fellow support group attendees and an upcoming guest on the podcast , asks if she could interview me for the 100th episode. So, we are reversing the mic. Let's learn more about the...
2024-08-0125 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast099 Art Therapy Part 1 - PhotographyThis episode kicks off our 4-part series featuring people with Parkinson’s who found one form of the arts to be helpful with managing symptoms and gaining perspective. We will explore four different art disciplines – photography, dance, writing and music. We wanted to hear directly from the person with Parkinson’s rather than an expert on the research on why the arts can be an important part of your Parkinson’s therapy. So, each episode will be a personal story about that person’s challenges and struggles with their PD journey and how each used a different art to find under...
2024-07-2241 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast098 Parkinson's Together Student PowerLast episode we spoke with a MDS and Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University about integrative medicine. This episode is a great follow up to the previous one. This time it is student at the University of Cincinnati leading the charge to bring an integrated approach to Parkinson’s care. She formed a not-for profit organization called Parkinson’s Together. It brings students from multiple disciplines to help with patient care. That may include law students, engineers, finance but mainly students interested in the medical field and with interest in helping others. I had a delightful conversation with Mallik...
2024-06-2533 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast097 Benefits of Integrative MedicineWhat is integrative medicine and how is it different than what we are used to which is mostly silos of care and mostly Western medicine? My guest today will offer an alternative to this, a better way to treat a patient with a condition or disease. Dr. Britt Stone, an Assistant Clinical Professor at Vanderbilt Medical Center, spent her pandemic time pursuing a fellowship in Integrative Medicine at University of Arizona. She will describe how clinicians can work together with the families of people with Parkinson’s to make for a better experience and a healthier outcome. Sh...
2024-06-1837 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast096 Living with PD and Finding Love In April 2010, Allison (Allie) Toepperwein experienced a tremor in her left hand while living in Austin, Texas after giving birth to her daughter. Around eight months later, in December 2010, Steven Eury noticed a tremor in his right hand while filming the birth of his son 1100 miles away in North Carolina. The following year, Steven received a diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD). It took another 4 1/2 years, and 2 1/2 months after Allison's divorce before she, too, was diagnosed with YOPD New Year's Eve of 2014. Allison went on to make history by becoming the first person with Parkinson's to...
2024-06-0437 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast095 Parkinson's Stages ExplainedWhat stage are you in? Do people ask you that question? If so, do you tell them? Do you even know? What are the stages and what do they mean? Frankly, I have never asked my movement disorder specialist neurologist what stage I am in. I don’t know why. We have never discussed it. However, learning and knowing more about how your doctor is tracking the progression of the disease is, I think, important. So, today we are going to speak with a movement disorder specialist. He will explain the stages of Parkinson’s disease. What they...
2024-05-2328 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast094 Answers in the SkinEarlier this season on episode number 088 titled “the Skinny on Skin” we learned about the various skin disorders that can manifest in people with Parkinson’s. Well, on the flip side, the skin is the largest organ in our body. It must hold all kinds of secrets to our health. It turns out alpha-synuclein gets deposited in the skin of patients with synucleinopathies, which includes Parkinson’s and related diseases. Therefore, a skin biopsy can be used to diagnose and confirm these diseases. Not only can this advancement in the diagnosis important, the skin biopsy can also be used to speed u...
2024-05-1539 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast093 Follow Your Gut - The Importance of your microbiome on your healthWhat do you know about your gut? In the last several years, research has led us to a more detailed understanding of the role of the gut – which includes the stomach, intestines, and colon. This isn’t your father’s understanding of the gut. So, what does the gut have to do with it? It being the possible cause of many diseases including Parkinson’s disease. In this episode we will learn about how the gut has a direct communication with the brain. We all know the saying, “follow your gut”. The direct connection explains why this saying is me...
2024-05-0726 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast092 Innovative Approach for Bladder ReliefThe topic today is one of those difficult to discuss symptoms that most of us try to avoid and deal with it on our own. Not a great idea. So, let’s learn about and discuss our bladders. You might have an overactive one which is also referred to as hyperactive or underactive one also referred to as hypoactive. Unfortunately, the probably of anyone having bladder problems grows as we get older. However, people with Parkinson’s have an even higher incident. Listen on to learn why bladder problems occur in people with Parkinson’s and treatments availa...
2024-04-1838 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast091 The Dean Team - Exercise Part 3Welcome to the third episode in our three-episode series on exercise. During the process of researching for this episode, I have found more and more studies showing that exercise does help reduce symptoms of PD. Very exciting to be able to take control of your journey by including certain exercises in your day and week. My guest today, Dean Laws, did just that. After a period of denial and apathy, his buddies, or mates since Dean lives in Australia, urged him to take control and start running again. They went even further and formed The Dean Team to support...
2024-03-2943 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast090 Exercise Cocktail Part 2Welcome to part two in our series on exercise and how it has been proven to reduce the symptoms of PD. As one of my guests, Dr. Daniel Corcos, explains, “It is crystal clear, exercise slows the progression of Parkinson’s.” In this episode, Kristine Meldrum and Dr. Corcos, authors of the book “Parkinson’s: How to Reduce Symptoms Through Exercise,” continue to discuss the research and real life experiences of the positive effects realized from a personalized exercise “cocktail”. What should PWP be focused on achieving with our exercise cocktail in order to maximize our time and the benefits...
2024-03-2129 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast089 Exercise Cocktail Part 1OK, I know what you are thinking. Another exercise episode, really? Yes, but this isn’t your run of the mill plead for people with Parkinson’s to exercise more. Up until now, we have been told to exercise but not given any direction on which exercises are best for us. Recently friends recommended a book that is filling this deficit. It is based on research completed over 30 years in this area. As one of my guests, Dr. Daniel Corcos, explains, “It is crystal clear, exercise slows the progression of Parkinson’s.” I found the book very useful. The author, Kr...
2024-03-1236 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast088 The Skinny on SkinDid you know that people with Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk of developing certain skin disorders than the rest of the population including melanomas? Have you had a skin issue pop up on you and not know what it is or how you got it? There is a good chance you were experiencing a manifestation of the Parkinson’s disease process or a side effect of the medication you are taking. Just one more thing to worry about. Right? On the other hand, our skin might provide a non-invasive way to help with the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disea...
2024-03-0148 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast087 Tips for Managing StressMy guest from the last episode on Nutrition, Debbie Polisky, is back to talk about stress and stress management. Research has shown stress can reduce a person’s life expectancy. How many years are we losing is determined by other factors and lifestyle choices. However, I am pretty sure everyone experiences stress in their lives so this episode is important and relevant to all listeners. Specific to People with Parkinson’s, we have many stressors that come with living daily with PD. And, there are other kinds of stressors in our lives – family issues, work issues, the weathe...
2024-02-1435 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast086 Lifestyles and NutritionIt’s our first episode of 2024. How many of you have already stopped working on your New Year’s resolutions? History would suggest most people fail early. Some of you probably are striving to eat better for your Parkinson’s health and for your overall health. Therefore, it is the perfect time to discuss nutrition and diet. My guest is a dietician who helps the Parkinson’s community understand and practice good nutrition. She breaks down what is good and bad for us and why. She teaches how to shop for the ingredients that are healthy and suggests ways to throw...
2024-02-0638 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast085 Resolution Follow UpWell, I can’t believe we find ourselves at the end of 2023. Where did the time go? I hope you had a good year. It was a fantastic year for Parkinson’s research and for this podcast. We witnessed a breakthrough in the study of PD with the discovery of a biomarker and how to test for it. That is a game changer. And this is my 85th episode of the Parkinson’s Experience. I’m kind of an old pro at this (emphasis on old). Who knew? On this episode, I follow up on this year’...
2023-12-2027 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast084 Speech Accessibility ProjectThis episode is about communication via your voice. Are you being heard? Speech issues is one of those symptoms People with Parkinson’s most likely will need to address as part of the journey with this disease. Does Siri or Alexa understand you? Is it frustrating to use these smart voice assistants? Well, my guests are working to change all of that. This episode is about how technology may be able to help us with communicating when our speech isn’t as understandable as it once was. A very smart team at the University of Illinois Beckman Inst...
2023-12-0531 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast083 Community CamaraderieWhen you or a loved one has a chronic condition, where do you go to find support, information and your “community”? People with Parkinson’s may not all have the combination of symptoms, but we are all better off when we seek out and find others like us who will be there for you and lift you up. I am grateful to have found a couple groups that have helped me along the way. I’ve formed friendships that go beyond the confines of my disease journey. As I have heard others say, I didn’t want Parkinson’s disease, but...
2023-11-1439 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast082 A DBS Story This episode is a feel good, inspirational story about the decision to have Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. Basically, it’s brain surgery and a major decision. I have the privilege of knowing my guest today and have followed her decision-making process and outcomes. As we know, every person with Parkinson’s is different. However, the decision process will mostly be similar. We focus on that as well as her circumstances and outcomes. This episode is for everyone – people thinking about getting DBS, people who haven’t heard about it and their family and friends. https...
2023-10-1030 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast081 Gene Therapy ExplainedGene therapy has been a previous topic on this podcast. However, it was from a neurosurgeon’s perspective. I continue to be very excited about the possibility’s gene therapy might have for modifying the effects of Parkinson’s disease - stopping the progression. My guest and the company he works for are on the cutting edge of gene therapy research. In this episode, I speak with someone in the trenches of making this possibility into a reality. So, what is gene therapy? How is it different from stem cell replacement? Where are we on knowing more about...
2023-09-1935 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast080 Biomarker BreakthroughOne of the most important problems to solve in the treatment of a disease is to find out how to measure its status in the person. In order to do that you need a biomarker to measure. For example, we take a blood test to measure cholesterol. If it is higher than normal, the physician can prescribe a diet and medication to treat it. Then, measure it again to see if it is working. Well, for Parkinson’s we didn’t have a biomarker. Diagnosis and progression of PD have been mostly measured subjectively with various visual test...
2023-08-0227 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast079 Fatigue Have you ever felt completely exhausted or fatigued during the day? Does this happen frequently? Not sleepy but totally fatigued or tired. Well, this could be one of those non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or a medication side effect or something else. Either way, it is really annoying and can affect our quality of life. We discuss fatigue with an expert on the topic during this episode. He tells us what science has discovered about the causes of fatigue and what has yet to be learned. Listen to find out the difference between fatigue and sleepiness as...
2023-07-1932 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast078 Strive for Symptom Objectivity with This ToolThis is the fourth and final episode in our tech series. We could probably highlight many more innovative ideas and companies. It is a very exciting time for the use of technology in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In this episode, we talk with a company whose product, StrivePD, is really cool and very useful. It is an app which communicates with the Apple Watch to monitor your motor symptoms throughout the day. You can monitor your symptoms, set medication reminders, and even share your progress with your care team using the app. Providing your neurologist wi...
2023-07-0640 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast077 Modern Day Doctor House Call: Telehealth for PDThis is our third episode in our series on the topic of using technology to assist you along your journey of living with Parkinson’s disease. In this episode, I speak with a representative of a company offering a telehealth platform specifically for neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s. We all quickly adopted to seeing our doctors via the Internet during the pandemic. Some of us grew to like it or even prefer it over in person appointments. It offers conveniency, expertise and a care team approach. Who might be interested in utilizing such a service? Anyone. More specifically, someone with...
2023-06-2039 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast076 PD Tech Part 2: Remote Patient MonitoringThis is our second episode in our tech series. In the first episode we introduced you to a couple of physical items developed to help People with Parkinson’s improve their gait and avoid freezing. The other episodes, including this one, will be more about using the internet and software/apps to help you and your doctor monitor your symptoms and provide you with the best care possible. What if all you had to do is push a button and remote monitoring of your symptoms would begin? You and your doctor will know the exact times you ar...
2023-06-0631 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast075 PD Tech Part 1: Tech for your feet?We are kicking off our tech series with this episode. Technology has changed the way we interact with the world over the last couple of decades. The pace of change keeps accelerating. We can ask a small box any question and get an answer within seconds. We can pay for items with our phones. The list goes on. However, the healthcare environment hasn’t really caught up to the other sectors when it comes to using tech to assist consumers/patients in improving their lives. We have definitely seen tech improvements when it comes to surgeries like DBS as we...
2023-05-2328 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast074 Rehabilitation: Use it or lose it When we hear the word “rehab,” what do we think of first? Some might think of a place where addicts go to get clean. Others might think of traumatic injuries sustained in an accident and the road to recovery. And still others might think of the place you go after a hospital stay of any length. In this episode, we will focus on rehab or rehabilitation for People with Parkinson’s no matter what the reason for which you were admitted to the facility. However, the principles we discuss are basically the same for any illness or injury...
2023-05-0938 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast073 Pickleball for Parkinson's I really like the story you are about to hear. It’s uplifting because my guest is uplifting and inspiring with a nonstop positive outlook and genuine desire to help others. And, I also have come to love the sport of Pickleball. Pickleball is quite the popular sport and growing. About 48 million people in the US play. But, can it help with your Parkinson’s symptoms. Is it safe to play? Let’s explore Pickleball for Parkinson’s with my guest and find out. Oh, and be sure to listen to the end. We had a great conversation after we stopp...
2023-04-2626 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast072 How to Best Manage Your PainPain. We have all felt it over the course of living our lives. However, it isn’t often discussed or attributed as a non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease. And yet, it can be one of those symptoms that most negatively impacts our quality of life. How common is it that people with Parkinson’s experience pain? Is it due to the disease or another cause? Does it matter in how to treat the pain? Where should we go for help? In this episode, we talk with an expert specialist in pain management who will break down the fi...
2023-04-1136 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast071 Healthy Mouth Healthy You Maintaining good overall health and quality of life is important to everyone. Part of the maintenance, my parents always taught me, is regularly visiting the dentist for cleanings and cavity checks. It turns out dental care is particularly important for people with Parkinson’s. Dental hygiene can be challenging for people with Parkinson’s due to their symptoms, both motor and non-motor like apathy and depression. It is so critical to have a healthy oral environment. An unhealthy one can lead to bigger issues. Luckily, there are solutions to some of these challenges. We will break it all down for...
2023-03-2728 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast070 Parkinsonism Explained It wasn’t that long ago that I heard the word Parkinsonism. What is that? Is that what I have? Why am I just now hearing this term? It turns out that a couple of friends were reassessed and found to have a different, but related, diagnosis than Parkinson’s disease. Each had a different variant of PD. There are several conditions that have similar symptoms as PD. They fall under the umbrella term of Parkinsonism. It is very important to get the correct diagnosis in order to get the appropriate treatment. In this episode, Dr. Holly Shil...
2023-03-1428 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast069 Dual Roles - A Love StorySomeone suggested I read a book titled “Dancing in Small Spaces.” I downloaded it from Amazon and read it quickly. It is a gripping true story of a couple’s life together. Leslie Davidson and her husband Lincoln get diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body dementia, respectively, around the same time. Although it can be tough to read if you are currently a person with either Parkinson’s disease or Lewy Body dementia, in the end it is a story of love, support and compassion. I really wanted to speak with the author after I finished the book and b...
2023-02-2837 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast068 You Can Do (Almost) Anything with Bill Bucklew This episode is about one person’s persistence, resilience, and positivity and how these characteristics can lead to be more friendly with your Parkinson’s disease. My guest has many amazing accomplishments that most of us will never even attempt but are interesting to learn about. The message he communicates to all of us is one of self-advocacy, exercise by doing something you like to do, and the importance of community and research. I met Bill Bucklew through the Michael J Fox Foundation Patient Council. His story is inspiring in my opinion. He has walked across the U.S...
2023-02-1538 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast067 PD Medication Review - The Art and The ScienceIt’s been over a year since we have focused an episode of the Parkinson’s Experience on medication. These episodes are always popular. Even if you think you know a lot about the choices available to treat the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, I urge you to still listen in. There is always new information and new medications and something for everyone to learn. So, my guest, a movement disorder specialist, and I discuss that getting the correct combination of medications for each individual is as much of an art as it is a science. We w...
2023-01-3151 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast066 Six People Talk New Year's ResolutionsAre you a resolution person? Do you set yearly goals for yourself each January 1st? Do you regularly accomplish your goals? Don’t worry, this isn’t an episode whose goal is to shame you into making resolutions. It can be fascinating what people choose as their resolutions each year. Do they accomplish their goals? For the people with Parkinson's community, are their resolutions related to their journey with the disease? What follows are six brave people with Parkinson’s who tell us their New Year’s resolutions. We will be checking in with them in Decem...
2023-01-1831 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast065 The Present and Future of Surgical Options ExplainedThis is our final episode of 2022 and we have covered a lot of topics this year and heard from a few of you as well. However, this topic is an important one to understand as we all keep our therapy options open. Neuromodulation, which mostly means neurosurgery and includes Deep Brain Stimulation, may be a perfectly normal option either in the short term or longer time frame. Neuromodulation is the technology that delivers treatment directly to the affected nerves. So, this may include gene therapy or stem cells in the future. It’s exciting to think about. Let’s find...
2022-12-0652 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast064 What Should I Eat?We weren't sure what the title of this episode should be at first. However, we get a lot of questions from fellow Parkies and others asking what they should eat for better disease outcomes. Thus, the title. Have you ever wondered what would be a good diet for people with Parkinson’s? What foods to eat, what to avoid and why? Do you plan your meals to live your best life? How can a slight change in your food selection make a big difference in your overall outcomes? Well, this is your podcast. We speak with a re...
2022-10-2036 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast063 Brain and Body DonationThis episode is an important research topic. We interview one of the most significant and relevant brain and body donation research programs in the country. Some might find this topic tough to think about since people need to donate their bodies upon their death. However, it is one of the least selfish things to do. Since the brain is difficult to study during the life of the person, it is crucial to research it after death. Therefore, this type of research is essential to discovering what causes Parkinson’s disease to develop therapies, hopefully, to slow the pr...
2022-09-2734 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast062 What Is It Like Living with Parkinson's? Six People RespondEach person experiences the symptoms of Parkinson's and living with Parkinson's uniquely and it changes as the disease progresses. So the saying goes "if you see one person with Parkinson's, you have seen one person with Parkinson's". No one can assume they will live the same as others with the disease. However, what does it feel like to live with this neurodegenerative disease? Can it be described? Is it any different on a daily basis then how others feel? We asked six people living with Parkinson's from different parts of the country, different ages and b...
2022-09-0734 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast061 6 Marathons in 6 WeeksThe headline read “Six marathons in six weeks.” That hooked me in. Then I read a person with Parkinson’s disease was the runner. Wow. I had to learn more. Everyone reacts differently to the PD diagnosis. Some don’t know what to do or where to start. Some are in denial for as long as they can stay that way. Others tackle it with all they have and find they can take more control over their symptoms and life and accomplish more than they ever imagined with or without the diagnosis. This is the inspirational story about on...
2022-08-2338 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast060 To Drive or Not To DriveOne of the possibilities along the Parkinson’s journey is losing the ability to drive safely. This possibility is a scary one. For many, driving equals independence. So, it means more than just the hassle of getting around. It means losing your independence. It can lead to depression and anxiety. However, it is important to be safe on the road while driving a multi-ton vehicle. We must protect ourselves, our family, and others on the road. So, we are talking today with an Occupational Therapist about when, why, how of driving while diagnosed with Parkinson’s. OT's...
2022-08-0135 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast059 Home Sweet Home (Safety)The topic of this episode is home safety and how we might think about what we can modify in our homes to be safer in them as we age or as our Parkinson’s progresses. I don’t think of myself as an anxious person or someone who worries excessively. However, I do like to have information stored away for when I need it. After speaking to our expert on this topic, I feel like I have a resource for when I need it. The trick is to have someone help you figure out what modification you shou...
2022-07-1932 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast058 The Eyes Have it - PD and Vision ChangesI often get questions from people in the Parkinson’s community about various symptoms they are experiencing. Is it the Parkinson’s or something else they ask. I usually refer them to their neurologist. Recently, I had a few people ask about changes in their vision which led to challenges in their daily living. I had never thought about vision changes being a thing. So, I sought an expert to explain what vision changes may occur with a Parkinson’s diagnosis, why they may occur and what can be done about it. Whether you are currently having issues or not, I...
2022-06-2429 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast057 The Young and The DiagnosedWhat is Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease or YOPD? Are YOPD people experiences different than the majority who are diagnosis at a later stage in their lives? How do they manage all the other challenges and blessings that life offers while dealing with this progressive illness? How do you navigate life with the PD symptoms you are experiencing in an ever-changing environment? We will answer these questions and more with an expert Movement Disorder Specialist, Dr. Sana Aslam, and an inspirational young woman living her best life with Parkinson’s. More information on YOPD visit:
2022-06-0338 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast056 Let's Talk Mental Health Part 2In this episode, we continue our discussion with Dr. Daniel Weintraub on the topic is mental health and the non-motor symptoms of mood disorders that some people with Parkinson’s experience. This is part two of our discussion. I hope you were able to listen to part one. In part one’s episode, we got a general overview on the topic of mood and thinking disorders in Parkinson’s as well as more specific information on the symptoms of depression and anxiety and possible treatments. In this episode, we address the symptoms of psychosis and cognition along with t...
2022-05-1941 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast055 Let's Talk Mental Health Part 1Our next topic is so important we are taking two episodes to tackle it. The topic is mental health and the non-motor symptoms of mood and thinking disorders that some people with Parkinson’s experience. It is a very sensitive and tough subject for some people. However, I always subscribe to wanting to understand as much as I can about my condition in order to be best informed and prepared. We have an excellent physician expert, Dr. Daniel Weintraub from the University of Pennsylvania, to walk us through this topic and the various disorders under the broader um...
2022-05-0532 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast054 Social Security Disability ExplainedHere at the Parkinson’s Experience, we try to cover every topic that may help even one person out there in podcast land. So, that includes not just the clinical or physical issues that can arise and not just the social and mental challenges that can be difficult but also the financial and work-related strains that can exist for people with a progressive neurological disease. That leads me to introducing this episode’s topic – Social Security Disability (SSD). Because most Parkinson’s patients are over 65 years old, this topic might not be discussed much within support groups. However...
2022-04-2136 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast053 Travel While PDSummer travel season is around the corner. Although we are still Covid aware, it looks like travel is back. Whether by train, plane or automobile, Americans will be moving again. So, it is a fantastic time to check in with a Movement Disorder Specialist neurologist on how best to travel when you have Parkinson’s disease or are traveling with someone who does. We discuss general tips that can save time and frustrations as well as how to manage your meds. I get a lot of questions about the latter so stay tuned and take notes. I truly hope yo...
2022-04-0723 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast052 Occupational TherapyOT is third in our 3-part series on the therapies most important to people with Parkinson’s. We covered physical therapy and speech therapy. If you haven’t listened to those two yet, please find episodes 49 and 51. They are very educational. OT, of course, stands for Occupational Therapy. Wait, don’t stop listening. OT does not mean occupational training. It does mean therapy or treating patients how to recover and get back to doing their everyday activities. Occupational therapists like the one you’ll hear next listen to what activities of daily living you are struggling with and work wi...
2022-03-2437 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast051 Speech TherapyNext up is part two in our three-part series on the therapies that are important to understand if diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This episode we focus on speech language pathology or therapy. I am guessing a lot of this information will be new to most of you. It was to me. The speech language pathologist professionals help with communications disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, voice disorders, and swallowing disorders. We may encounter any or all of these at some point on our journey with this disease. So, listen in to learn from an expert speech language pat...
2022-03-1038 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast050 Reverse MicSo, listeners, we made it to the 50th episode of The Parkinson’s Experience podcast. Wow. I am absolutely thrilled to have made it this far and am encouraged that we will still be talking about our Parkinson’s experiences on this podcast for years to come. Of course, I couldn’t have done this without your support and the support of my exclusive sponsor, Boston Scientific. I am continuedly humbled and touched to learn from listeners who send in comments about how this podcast has made a difference in their lives. That is its purpose and mine. Please keep se...
2022-02-2421 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast049 Physical TherapyThis is the first of our three-part series on the rehab therapies – physical, occupational and speech. All three of these therapies are extremely important throughout our journey with Parkinson’s disease. Most people with Parkinson’s will end up interacting with all three and the trained professionals in each discipline. Up first, physical therapy or PT. This might be the one you think of first when you think of rehab or symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. You may see your physical therapist more frequently than your neurologist some years, so it is important you understand the benefits and goals. We speak...
2022-02-1131 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast048 Cannabis ExplainedSomeone suggested the title of this episode be “potcast” which would have been cute. However, this is a serious topic so we resisted the urge to be cute on this one. This is not an endorsement of a therapy for Parkinson’s (you should always speak with your doctor before taking any medication). Rather it is meant to be educational and informational – a good, quick reference to the use of cannabis in the treatment of some of the symptoms of PD. In fact, we have included important reference links in the episode description if you want to learn more. In this epi...
2022-01-2834 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast047 Taking Care of our VeteransThe topic for our end of 2021 podcast episode is how the Veterans Administration in the U.S., services the needs of our veterans with Parkinson’s disease. And it is good news for our heroes. Additionally, everyone can learn something from our speaker, Dr. Paul Larson a neurosurgeon. It isn’t just for our vets and their care partners, friends, and family. Listen to learn more about the VA program called PADRECC and cutting-edge research that has helped all of us. It played a key role in bringing us Deep Brain Stimulation surgery and some awesome neurosurgeons. https...
2021-12-2825 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcast046 Improv for the Soul and BrainMost of us people with Parkinson’s know that exercise is essential to living well with PD. We may not realize how important it is to exercise our brain as well. Yet, it is just as vital to challenge our brain as we do our bodies. Improvisation is a fun way to check this box. Improv might not be what you think it is. It isn’t stand-up comedy, and it really isn’t scary. It is an unplanned collaborative response to others using games and play to illicit reactions. Anyone can do it and it seems to improve quality...
2021-12-0437 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast045 Rethinking Your Approach to CareThis episode introduces us to Palliative Care and is one of the most important topics we have covered on the Parkinson’s Experience podcast. Don’t be deterred by the subject. I guarantee you will learn a lot from our guest, and it will make you rethink how you manage your health and pick your care team. This is not about hospice care. Palliative care is defined as an approach to care that addresses the person as a whole, not just their disease. The goal is to prevent or treat, as early as possible, the symptoms and side effects of the...
2021-11-0927 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcast044 Why BoxingWhy is boxing one of the exercises recommended for People with Parkinson's? The list of benefits from this fun fitness activity is long and includes a link to cognition, stretching, balance and strength. It's the whole package. Learn more as you listen to the owner and head trainer of Pound Gym. https://poundgyms.com/ Also, 17 Branches is holding it's annual fundraiser, Box4Bucks, on October 23rd in Scottsdale, AZ and virtual on Facebook Live. For more information, visit https://fundraise.michaeljfox.org/box-4-bucks/
2021-10-2020 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcastGene Therapy ExplainedIn the category of what treatment options are on the horizon for Parkinson’s disease, gene therapy is one of the exciting ones. It can also be difficult to understand what it is and how it might help our brain function more normally. Never fear dear listener, we found a guy, well a brain surgeon super smart guy, to explain it to us so we can get it. So, stay tuned as we learn all about gene therapy as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease and how close we are to possibly adding it to the options available to n...
2021-10-0535 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastOff Medication UpdateIt’s been over a year since we have had an episode of the Parkinson’s Experience on medication. So, we are focusing this episode on motor symptoms medication and, specifically, medication to help during the "off times". We begin the episode by having our Movement Disorder Specialist neurologist define off times and dyskinesias. Then, we break down the medications used during off times and for dyskinesias by category or mechanism of action. This is a great reference and important information for all People with Parkinson's. Please share with your friends who have questions.
2021-09-2036 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcast041 Improve Your Golf Swing Improve Your LifeWe often talk about exercise and activities as a great way to slow the progress of Parkinson's symptoms. Golf may not be one that comes to mind. Until now. In this episode I speak with a golf instructor who specializes in the biomechanics of the golf swing. His father had Parkinson’s disease. This led him to a passion for helping PWP. It just so happens the correct way to stand and swing a club and even the best way to putt aligns with the best posture for PwP to help with balance, core, and flexibility. I’m a...
2021-09-0930 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcast040 The Many Benefits of Indoor Cycling (No Head Wind)I was introduced to my guest today by a past guest who takes her forced exercise cycling online classes for People with Parkinson's (PwP). Forced exercise isn’t exercise at gun point which is kinda what it sounds like. It is exercise with goals of hitting certain higher watts or rpms (revolutions per minute) so you maximize your heart rate. In other words, it isn’t sitting on a bike and reading a book. You may have heard of the now famous tandem bike ride that changed the way some think about exercise as a benefit to PwP...
2021-08-2435 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcast039 Parkinson's, Paint and DBSWelcome to the 3rd episode in our 3-part series on inspirational people living their best lives with Parkinson’s. We’ve highlighted a woman who climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and biked across Iowa 6 times and a woman who took up Ping Pong and won gold. She will be defending her title next month in Berlin. Good luck Margie Alley! On this episode, we speak to an inspirational woman who took up painting after her tremor disappeared with DBS. She finds that painting is calming and helps with other symptoms. And, she has become a real student of her new...
2021-08-1033 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcast038 Gotta Keep MovingThe working title of this episode was "Ping Pong Phun". Instead we named it the same title as the guest's documentary which is a much better title and reflects our guest, Margie Alley's, motto. This episode is second in our summer of inspiration series. We hope you listened to the last episode featuring an inspirational woman who climbed Mt Kilimanjaro after her diagnosis and has a great way of looking at life. On this episode, we speak with a woman on the opposite coast of the U.S. and took on the challenge of learning Ping Pong...
2021-07-2836 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcast037 How Are You Going to Live?We are in the middle of summer and a great time to listen to podcasts on those road trips, beach vacations and long walks. So, the Parkinson’s Experience has lined up an exciting three-part series featuring inspiring people living their lives with Parkinson’s disease. Nan Little is my first inspirational guest. She asked a great question at the end of the episode - how are you going to live? Everyone faces challenges in their life. Some face multiple challenges at once or over time. It’s what we do, how we react to these li...
2021-07-1333 minThe Parkinson's Experience podcastMusic Therapy is BeneficialWhether you can sing or can't hit a note. It doesn't matter to this exclusive club. You can only join if you are a Person with Parkinson's or a family member or friend. It's called Tremble Clefs and it's more than just singing. Music therapy is at the heart of this wonderful program. Parkinson’s disease tends to decrease voice volume. A monotone voice quality is another common symptom. In this episode, we learn from an expert in music therapy, different than just singing, about how we can improve voice, rhythm, movement, breathing, posture, facial expression, and me...
2021-06-2937 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastParkinson's Without LimitsIn this episode, we discuss not letting Parkinson's win. There is a new, make a wish type program for Parkinson's patients founded by a passionate advocate for the community and owner of a PD gym. What do you want to do again that PD has taken from you? Exercise is the only thing proven to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Regular listeners of “The Parkinson’s Experience” will know we have featured PD gyms across the country devoted to helping People with Parkinson's (PwP) fight the good fight. This episode will be different so please take a ...
2021-06-1540 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastAnswers in the SkinWhat if a simple skin biopsy test could provide a deeper story about your health? The answers that the neurons in the skin can provide is amazing and has helped neurologists feel more confident in diagnosing a neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson’s. It certainly is less invasive than other tests used to confirm a diagnosis. Why is this important? The earlier the diagnosis, the faster you and your doctor can start planning your treatment and path to better outcomes. Also, it provides a quick, painless way to understand if a medication in clinical trials is working. That can...
2021-06-0226 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastImprove Your HandwritingHow’s your handwriting? Has it worsened over time? Mine has. In fact, that was one of my first clues that I may have Parkinson’s. Small handwriting is a symptom of PD and it can be frustrating. It may also mean a decrease in hand strength. Legible handwriting is still very important skill and a source of pride. In this episode we speak with a person who is dedicated to helping PwP improve their handwriting through workshops and workbooks and a PwP who has taken the classes. In a matter of a few weeks, people will be able to re...
2021-05-1832 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastFreezing AssistPeople with Parkinson’s have a 2-9 times increased risk of falls than a healthy person of the same age. This can be due to freezing of gait which occurs in about 40% of patients on average. Do you experience times where you just can’t move, can’t just take the next step for short or longer periods of time? Let’s explore why and how you can help yourself without necessarily increasing or adding medications. In this episode, we will hear from the inventor of an innovative device to help with freezing and falling as well as a PD patien...
2021-05-0534 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastA Device to Help You Be HeardDo people ask you to repeat yourself frequently? Do you think you are talking loud enough for others to hear? This is not uncommon in PwP. It has been estimated that approximately 90% of all Parkinson’s patients will experience speech issues at some point in their journey with this disease. Some people don’t know they are speaking softly and/or not clearly so others can understand. This can lead to poor communication and social isolation. Speech therapy can and does help. However, now there is a new wearable device available that is proven to increase volume and clarity in y...
2021-04-2138 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastTop 3 Tips for CaregiversIn this episode we tackle the extremely important topic of caregiving. Being a caregiver or care partner is often challenging and offers its own journey. It can be exhausting, frustrating, fearful, painful, as well as joyful, hopeful and rewarding. This is true for all caregiving not just for our love one’s with Parkinson’s disease. Today you’ll hear from someone who has experienced all the humanness of being a caregiver and ended up making it her life’s work to help all of us with the complex feelings that come with being a caregiver. She has written best sel...
2021-04-0738 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastSuper SmellersAs of today, there is still no objective test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. While we wait for researchers to find a biomarker, there is an organization using dogs to sniff out and detect an odor associated with PD. Yep, you heard it right. The dogs are super smellers and can detect PD with a 90% or better accuracy. To learn more about this and what this means for diagnosis and treatment of PD, we talked with the program director and one of the dog handlers. You won’t want to miss this conversation.
2021-03-1737 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastEducation and Advocacy - a 1-2 PunchThere are numerous opportunities around the country to get educated on Parkinson’s disease. There are books, videos, webinars, websites, and educational classes offered by clinics and outreach centers, as well as national foundations and organizations. It is very important to start your education very soon after diagnosis and continue to learn the rest of your life. Today, I want to highlight two not-for-profit groups offering free educational classes to the newly diagnosed but with a twist – how to advocate for yourself along with educating yourself throughout your life. This is an innovative approach and an important combination. It’s the...
2021-03-0240 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastCOVID PwP ExperiencesIn this episode we speak with Dr. Shill again to get an update on the COVID -19 pandemic, the vaccines and how this all relates to Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Shill gave us a fantastic overview in August 2020 in episode 11 if you want to revisit that one. Also, we are trying something new on this podcast. Listeners recorded and sent in their stories of how using Zoom has helped them through these isolating times. Their stories are included in this episode. Enjoy.
2021-02-1725 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastParkinson's FightersThere is a special place in Portland, OR where an enthusiastic, trained fitness coach built a gym dedicated to helping people with Parkinson’s. She calls the people she trains – Fighters. That is very appropriate and sets the tone for what she expects from them. In one building they can take classes in drumming, singing, dancing, boxing, Tai Chi, yoga and more. 350 people take advantage of this opportunity to work on their physical and mental well being. Listen in as Kimberly Berg describes how she does it and one of her Fighters tells of her experience attending in person and no...
2021-02-0536 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastAnswers in Your GenesIn this episode we discuss the genetic connection to Parkinson’s. It doesn’t matter if you know you have a genetic mutual, if you know you don’t have one or you don’t know and don’t want to know, you will learn a lot about how the research into the genetic mutations linked to PD is leading to science better understanding of the origins of the disease and eventually a cure. We talk to a leading researcher at NYU about the connection. Also, we hear from a family who has a deep connection to the LRRK2 mutation a...
2021-01-2136 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastPwPs Best FriendDid you know that a dog can be trained to help People with Parkinson’s? It’s true and amazing to learn about. When trained to service PD patients, the dogs can help with freezing, mobility, exercise, get help, fetch medications, push a wheelchair, protect and provide comfort. Most of all they help restore dignity, confidence and independence. Stay tuned to learn more about these special animals. Warning: this is a tear jerker.
2021-01-0733 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastLong Term Care 0 To Buy or Not to BuyWe have been tackling the decisions that people need to make for their healthcare insurance choices in our first series of episodes on a topic. Next up, long term care insurance options. There are 3 broad choices people can make. Which one depends on your situation. This is another very important, yet confusing life choice. Learn all about this important option in this episode.
2020-12-2133 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastMaking Sense of Medicare ChoicesContinuing our series on healthcare insurance options. Next up, Medicare. There are more choices than when your parents became eligible. In this episode, we learn from an expert on what option is the best one for your situation and when and if you can change your choice when your circumstances change. No matter what age you are, this is an important topic to understand. It can be very confusing. We break it down and make sense of the confusion.
2020-12-1443 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastSaving Money on MedicationsThis is the second episode in our series on healthcare choices and picking the best options for you. Next up – online pharmacies. Where do you get your medications? The ones you need to treat an ongoing condition. Most people use the corner pharmacy. It’s convenient. Have you wondered about switching to an online pharmacy? One that can source drugs from Canada and other countries with lower costs for their medications? Thousands of people use them and save a lot of money. Is it safe? How does it work? Stay tuned and find out.
2020-12-0729 min
The Parkinson's Experience podcastHealthcare Insurance Explained Part 1 Individual MarketplaceHealthcare in the US and, more specifically, healthcare insurance is a very difficult, confusing and frustrating industry to navigate and understand. It can also be expensive. Yet, it is so important to our wellbeing. How do you make the best choices of you and your family? Even if this doesn’t affect you so much now, it will. Therefore, the Parkinson’s Experience will be producing its first series of episodes on one topic – understanding your healthcare insurance options. I guarantee you will learn at least one thing in each episode. First up, the individual marketplace for healthcare insurance.
2020-11-3027 min