The Parkinson's Podcast

Davis Phinney Foundation

This podcast is for people with Parkinson's, Parkinson's care partners and Parkinson's providers. You'll hear from movement disorder specialists, neurologists, psychiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, complementary therapists, people with Parkinson's and Parkinson's care partners on how to live well with Parkinson's today.

  1. Sexual Health, Levodopa Myths, Hypoxia Research, and More with Dr. Bas Bloem, Pt 2

    4D AGO

    Sexual Health, Levodopa Myths, Hypoxia Research, and More with Dr. Bas Bloem, Pt 2

    Learn more about Parkinson's and find support: https://dpf.org In part two, Dr. Bas Bloem and Polly Dawkins tackle some of the most pressing topics in the Parkinson's community. They address sexual health, levodopa phobia head-on, share breakthrough research on intermittent hypoxia, and discuss the overlooked connection between gut health and medication effectiveness. This episode offers both cutting-edge science and practical guidance for living well with Parkinson's. Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community: https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup Podcast Produced by Sia Urroz, Davis Phinney Foundation

    29 min
  2. Holistic Approach to Parkinson's: Exercise, Supplements, and More With Dr. Bas Bloem, Pt. 1

    FEB 11

    Holistic Approach to Parkinson's: Exercise, Supplements, and More With Dr. Bas Bloem, Pt. 1

    Learn more about Parkinson's and find support: https://dpf.org In this first part of our two-part conversation, Dr. Bas Bloem and Polly Dawkins discuss why a holistic approach to Parkinson's care matters. They explore the latest evidence on exercise as a disease-modifying treatment, the critical role of supplements and nutrition, and how optimizing every aspect of your life—from sleep to stress management—can transform your quality of life. Whether you're newly diagnosed or living with Parkinson's for years, this conversation offers practical, evidence-based strategies for taking control of your care.  Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community: https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup Podcast Produced by Sia Urroz, Davis Phinney Foundation

    26 min
  3. How Our Approach to Living With Parkinson's Changes as It Gets Harder

    JAN 9

    How Our Approach to Living With Parkinson's Changes as It Gets Harder

    In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, the group is joined by a special guest to respond to a listener's question about how their relationship with Parkinson's has changed over time. Together, they talk through the different ways they have named and understood Parkinson's since diagnosis, including ideas of fighting, endurance, acceptance, and daily negotiation. The conversation moves between personal stories, practical coping strategies, and reflections on how identity, energy, and priorities shift as symptoms progress. Rather than settling on one way of framing Parkinson's, the episode explores how those frames evolve. Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community: https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup Learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinsons's: https://dpf.org

    33 min
  4. Parkinson's Clinical Trials: Red Flags, Safety, and What to Consider

    12/23/2025

    Parkinson's Clinical Trials: Red Flags, Safety, and What to Consider

    In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast, Chris Krueger talks with a clinical research team from University of Toronto about how the clinical trial process works, how participants can have the best experience in a trial, and why a team approach to trials is necessary and good. In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Alfonso Fasano, Dr. Arturo Abundes Corona, Sara Naghdlou, a clinical research coordinator with a background in biomedical engineering; and Yu-Yan Poon, a registered nurse who supports trials at the University of Toronto. This episode is sponsored by BlueRock Therapeutics. Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community: https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup Learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinsons's: https://dpf.org

    49 min
  5. Home Independence and Safety in Parkinson's: What to Plan for at Each Stage

    12/10/2025

    Home Independence and Safety in Parkinson's: What to Plan for at Each Stage

    Occupational therapist and aging-in-place expert Carol Chiang joins us to discuss her new book, Age in Place or Find a New Space. Carol explains why meaningful interactions—not just safety—belong at the center of planning for life with Parkinson's, and how "the choices you make today become the consequences you live with tomorrow." In this podcast episode, Carol discusses the importance of early-stage steps like decluttering and fall-prevention basics, practical visual cueing for freezing, how to break home updates into manageable pieces, and honest caregiver conversations. Carol also shares how to think about modifying a home versus considering a move, and why planning early protects both independence and connection. A grounded, hopeful conversation about creating a home that supports who you are and how you want to live. Learn more about Carol and her work, and find her book at: https://www.EvolvingHomes.com  Explore the OT-curated home-modification resource she mentioned: Ask Samie: https://www.asksamie.com/ Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community: https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup Learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinsons's: https://dpf.org   GUEST BIO Carol Chiang is an Occupational Therapist and founder of Evolving Homes®, specializing in aging-in-place, age tech, and smart home solutions. With 25 years of experience, she helps individuals and families decide whether to "Age in Place" or "Find a New Space®," and supports them through the home changes required at each stage of Parkinson's. A Certified Parkinson's Wellness Recovery therapist and former Olympic-caliber athlete, Carol teaches the importance of planning ahead, using exercise as medicine, and building habits that protect long-term independence. She consults with organizations, startups, and universities worldwide, and has contributed to AARP, the Davis Phinney Foundation, the National Kitchen & Bath Association, and international aging conferences.

    38 min
  6. Parkinson's Related Exhaustion, Personal Care Challenges, and Why Exercise Helps

    12/02/2025

    Parkinson's Related Exhaustion, Personal Care Challenges, and Why Exercise Helps

    In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, hosts Heather Kennedy and Kat Hill, along with Chris Krueger, honor their late friend Wayne Gilbert and explore the challenging distinction between fatigue and apathy. They offer practical advice for managing energy levels, including the counterintuitive insight that more movement can actually reduce tiredness, and share tips for grandparents navigating visits with multiple grandchildren. The conversation also tackles personal grooming struggles, with candid solutions like wash-and-go haircuts, dry shampoo, and simplified self-care routines that make daily life more manageable.  Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community: https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup

    28 min
  7. Gene Therapy for Parkinson's: Myths vs. Facts

    11/17/2025

    Gene Therapy for Parkinson's: Myths vs. Facts

    In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast, learn about gene therapy for Parkinson's, including common misunderstandings and ongoing research about it.  This episode contains some technical terms and abbreviations. For your convenience, here is a short list of definitions that might be helpful.   AADC – Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase: An enzyme that helps make dopamine (not a rock and roll band)  AAV – Adeno-Associated Virus: A harmless virus used to deliver gene therapy  CDNF – Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor: A protein that helps keep dopamine-producing cells healthy  DBS – Deep Brain Stimulation: A surgical treatment that uses electrical signals to help control symptoms  GAD – Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase: An enzyme that helps rebalance brain circuits.   GBA – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk  GCH1 – GTP Cyclohydrolase 1: An enzyme that supports dopamine production.   GDNF – Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: A protein that helps protect brain cells  LRRK2 – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk  PARK2 – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk  PET – Positron Emission Tomography: A brain scan that shows chemical activity   PINK1 – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk   SNCA – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk  More information about Gene Therapy for Parkinson's is available here:  https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/blog/gene-therapy-parkinsons/   https://youtu.be/n2KNtRK3SIk  https://youtu.be/v9mJiO4EEag    Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community: https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup

    32 min
  8. Pickleball and Parkinson's: Building Dexterity, Balance, and Community

    11/12/2025

    Pickleball and Parkinson's: Building Dexterity, Balance, and Community

    In this episode of The Parkinson's Podcast, Foundation Program Manager Beau Boughamer talks with neurologist Vanessa Hinson and Helen Power, a person living with Parkinson's, about the sport that's sweeping the country—and transforming life with Parkinson's.  Dr. Hinson, a movement disorder specialist at the Medical University of South Carolina, shares how pickleball supports balance, coordination, confidence, and connection through her eight-week program for people with Parkinson's. Helen describes how the game brought her movement, joy, and community, proving that staying active can also mean having fun. Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community—delivered to your inbox. https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup

    18 min
See All (232)

4.4
out of 5
177 Ratings

About

This podcast is for people with Parkinson's, Parkinson's care partners and Parkinson's providers. You'll hear from movement disorder specialists, neurologists, psychiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, complementary therapists, people with Parkinson's and Parkinson's care partners on how to live well with Parkinson's today.

Information

You Might Also Like