The Parkinson's Experience podcast

Sheryl Lowenhar
  • 4.7 (30)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

The Parkinson's Experience is a podcast hosted by a Person with Parkinson's (PWP) and based on her daily experiences. Listen in on her journey living with the disease and how she lives her best life with humor, generosity, empathy and knowledge. Her conversations with experts and patients like you are fascinating and authentic. They cover relevant topics from DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) to exercise to diet to medications to much more difficult subjects like personal relationships. Of the few podcasts available on this topic, don't skip this one from the viewpoint of a patient. Thank you to my sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about Parkinson's treatment options, please visit DBSandMe.com

  1. 4D AGO

    133 Harmonica Can Improve PD Speech

    I love bringing you innovative ideas that are improving the lives of people with Parkinson's—and this one truly surprised me. I never thought learning to play the harmonica would make the list, but here we are. In this episode, I share the story of an inspirational physical therapist in Hawaii who received a grant to study how learning the harmonica can impact speech in people with Parkinson's disease. Even though it was a small study, the results were encouraging, and he's now expanding his work to bring this creative therapy to more people. It turns out the harmonica isn't just about making music—it's a powerful tool for strengthening breathing, mouth muscles, and coordination, all of which are essential for clear speech. Similar to established speech therapies, this approach helps build vocal strength and breath control, but with a fun and engaging twist that keeps people motivated. To make it accessible, he's even creating a program-in-a-box that includes everything you need: a harmonica, a lesson book, and access to a companion website and YouTube tutorials.You have to listen to this episode—even if you're not musically inclined. This is about so much more than music; it's about discovering creative, effective ways to improve quality of life. https://harmonicaparkinsonsproject.com/   (Lauching soon) kevin.lockette@bsci.com (email address for our guest) https://store.bookbaby.com/Book/the-harmonica-parkinsons-project  (purchase book) Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches

    31 min

  2. MAR 18

    132 The Benefits of Tai Chi for PD

    In this episode we explore Tai Chi for Parkinson's disease  - how this gentle, low-impact mind–body practice can support people living with the condition. As we know, Parkinson's affects movement, balance, and coordination due to changes in the brain's dopamine system. We will highlight how Tai Chi's slow, controlled motions can help counter these challenges. We spoke with a long time Tai Chi instructor who has modified his instructions to include all people with Parkinson's. He focuses on key benefits backed by research, such as improved balance, reduced risk of falls, better posture, and increased flexibility. He describes how Tai Chi emphasizes weight shifting, body awareness, and deliberate movement—skills that are especially valuable for individuals with Parkinson's. Other benefits may be cognitive and emotional, including reduced stress and improved focus. Overall, Tai Chi is a complementary therapy—not a cure—that can be integrated alongside medical treatment to help manage symptoms and promote overall well-being. Box4Bucks fitness challenge fundraiser. To donate click this link. https://give.michaeljfox.org/box4bucks  Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches

    41 min

  3. MAR 5

    131 Completing World Marathon Challenge to Honor Father and Benefit PD Research

    At the Parkinson's Experience podcast, we love a powerful, uplifting story — and this is one you won't forget. After battling Parkinson's disease for nine years, Hank Bode passed away in January 2025. Throughout that journey, Hank and his son Lincoln closely followed the work of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, inspired by its commitment to directing 100% of donations to Parkinson's research and its relentless pursuit of a cure. To honor his father and raise funds for Parkinson's research, Lincoln decided to do something extraordinary. As a member of Team Fox, he took on the World Marathon Challenge — running 7 half marathons in 7 days across 7 continents. Beginning January 31, 2026 in Antarctica, Lincoln raced through Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Brazil, and finished in Miami on February 6, 2026. For seven days his life was run, eat, fly, sleep then repeat.  He pushed his limits, carried his father's legacy across the globe, and completed the challenge with a story that will inspire anyone facing adversity. You dont want to miss this one. https://give.michaeljfox.org/fundraiser/6877830 https://www.instagram.com/team.fox.777/ Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches

    31 min

  4. FEB 27

    130 Explained Series Part 1 - Botox

    This is the first episode in a three-part series I'm calling Dr. Ospina Explains. In this series, we'll dive into topics many of you have been asking about recently. One of my favorite Movement Disorder Specialists, Dr. Ospina, has a wonderful way of explaining all things Parkinson's in terms that are easy for the rest of us to understand. I hope you'll tune in to all three parts as they're released — I truly believe you'll learn a lot. We're starting with Botox. Like many people, I used to think Botox had only one purpose — cosmetic. But after speaking with Movement Disorder Specialist Dr. Marie Ospina, I learned that Botox can actually help treat several symptoms that occur in people living with Parkinson's. You'll discover exactly what those symptoms are when you listen to my conversation with Dr. Ospina. I think you may be surprised — and you might even find yourself asking your MDS or neurologist whether Botox could help relieve some of your pain or muscle tightness. Stay tuned! Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches

    21 min

  5. JAN 27

    129 Non-Medication Treatment for Insomnia

    Do you have trouble sleeping? It's a topic you can't avoid once you reach a certain age. And while sleep problems are common in people with Parkinson's disease, they certainly aren't limited to them. Because of that, treatment is often the same as it is for anyone else. Until researchers uncover more specific biological causes in Parkinson's—progress is being made—we rely on standard, evidence-based treatments for insomnia. In this episode, we speak with an expert about one such treatment: a non-medication approach called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBT-I. It helped me tremendously, and I hope you'll listen. It may be something you want to try. https://cbti.directory/ Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches

    44 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    128 World Parkinson Congress Comes to Phoenix in 2026

    The World Parkinson Coalition is bringing its triennial World Parkinson Congress to Phoenix in May 2026—the first time the Congress has been hosted in the U.S. since 2016. This is truly a can't-miss event for anyone in the Parkinson's community. The Congress will bring together approximately 4,000 attendees from around the world, including researchers, healthcare professionals, people with Parkinson's, and care partners. It's a unique opportunity to learn about the latest research, emerging therapies, and the global effort to improve care—while also connecting with an incredible community of people and resources. Guest, Eli Pollard, describes the gathering as an opportuntity to cross pollinate ideas with peers around the world - all working to cure the disease. I'm especially excited to share that I've been invited to serve on the local organizing committee and the support group leadership subcommittee. I can confidently say this will be an important and inspiring gathering of the world's Parkinson's experts, with some fun events mixed in as well. 📅 Mark your calendars: May 24–27, 2026 📍 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Don't miss it—add it to your calendar and register using the link below. Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches   https://wpc2026.org/

    43 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    127 Warriors Not Worriers -The InMotion Wellness Program

    This year I have been highlighting some of local areas in the U.S. where people with Parkinson's take classes designed for their needs, provide social support, and community. It is truly magical to have this kind of central location just focused on your needs as a person with Parkinson's. Just last month we highlighted Parkinson's Body & Mind in Connecticut. They have done and continue to provide spaces where PWP can gather for exercise, wellness and community programs – all for free.  If you didn't listen to that episode, check it out soon. In this episode, we talk with the co-founders of InMotion, which offers community-based wellness programs for people with Parkinson's disease. They provide this service free of charge in the greater Cleveland area and online. They talk about giving People with Parkinson's the "power to change the script "and to "feel better every day." This is a true success story, and they continue to learn and grow.  Learn more by listening to this conversation with Dr. Karen Jaffe and Ben Rossi of In Motion. How might you form a similar organization in your part of the country to provide valuable wellness programs and a greater sense of community? Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches   https://beinmotion.org/

    45 min

  8. 12/10/2025

    126 Dystonia Explained

    While often overshadowed by better known movement disorders, dystonia affects thousands and can dramatically affect quality of life. This episode explains what dystonia is, why it frequently appears alongside Parkinson's, and what therapies - from medications to DBS to physical therapy – are helping people regain control. So, listen on as a movement disorder specialist, Dr. Niemann, breaks down dystonia. He helps us understand symptoms, treatment options and everyday strategies for living your best life with dystonia. https://www.barrowneuro.org/person/nicki-niemann-md/ https://www.dbsandme.com/17branches Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches

    38 min
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4.7
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

The Parkinson's Experience is a podcast hosted by a Person with Parkinson's (PWP) and based on her daily experiences. Listen in on her journey living with the disease and how she lives her best life with humor, generosity, empathy and knowledge. Her conversations with experts and patients like you are fascinating and authentic. They cover relevant topics from DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) to exercise to diet to medications to much more difficult subjects like personal relationships. Of the few podcasts available on this topic, don't skip this one from the viewpoint of a patient. Thank you to my sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about Parkinson's treatment options, please visit DBSandMe.com

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