Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s Foundation
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS
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Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s

How can people with Parkinson's live a better life today? Join the Parkinson's Foundation as we highlight the treatments and techniques that can help all people affected by Parkinson’s live a better life today, as well as the research that can bring a better tomorrow.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Current Tools for Receiving a Parkinson’s Diagnosis

    Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a “clinical” diagnosis, based on a person’s medical history, symptoms, and physical exam. Although certain laboratory or imaging tests can be helpful in reaching a diagnosis, no single test can confirm PD. Among the tests currently used to support a PD diagnosis, or to rule out other conditions that can mimic PD, are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, the dopamine transporter scan (DaTscan) to look at how dopamine is transported in certain areas of the brain, Syn-One, or skin biopsies, and blood work. Sometimes, a PD diagnosis is straightforward based on the presence of certain symptoms, but in other cases, it may take a number of clinic visits to make a definitive diagnosis. The best way to ensure a correct diagnosis of PD, or a similar condition, is to see a neurologist specializing in movement disorders. One of the leading Parkinson’s specialists is Dr. Michael Okun, National Medical Advisor for the Parkinson’s Foundation and Director of the Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida in Gainesville. In this podcast episode, he explains some of the current tools for making a Parkinson’s diagnosis, how they are used, and some of their limitations.

    23 min

  2. SEP 10

    ¡EN ESPAÑOL! Alucinaciones y delusiones en el Parkinson

    Alrededor de un 20-40% de las personas con Parkinson experimentan algún tipo de alucinación o delusión en algún momento de su recorrido por la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP). Aunque en la actualidad los estudios no indican que la comunidad hispanohablante de la EP corra un mayor riesgo de desarrollar estos síntomas, sigue siendo importante conocer los posibles signos para estar mejor preparado para manejar situaciones de emergencia. Las alucinaciones y delusiones en sí pueden asustar, pero cuando se combinan con otros síntomas del Parkinson, pueden ser aún más problemáticas. En este episodio, hablamos con la Dra. Blanca Valdovinos, neuróloga especialista en trastornos del movimiento del Centro Médico de University of Rochester. Ella comparte su experiencia de primera mano en trabajar con personas con Parkinson, basándose en el tiempo que pasó dirigiendo una clínica semanal para sus pacientes hispanohablantes con afecciones neurológicas. Explica qué son las alucinaciones y delusiones, destaca sus diferencias y proporciona ejemplos de cómo pueden presentarse en una persona con Parkinson. Ofrece orientación para reconocer las primeras señales y comparte cómo los familiares y aliados en el cuidado pueden responder mejor si su ser querido experimenta una alucinación o delusión.

    21 min

  3. AUG 13

    Allied Health Spotlight Series: Physical Therapy Recommendations for Exercising Safely

    Allied health professionals are a group of healthcare providers whose role and expertise complement the work of physicians. These include specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, and many more. They are just as important as your Movement Disorders Specialists and Neurologists, and play a vital role in creating a comprehensive, well-rounded Parkinson’s care team that caters to your individual needs and addresses your overall well-being. In this first episode of our Allied Health Spotlight series, we explore the benefits of including physical therapy in your care plan. Exercise is a vital component for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to maintain balance, mobility, and activities of daily living. It should be part of the standard practice of care for every person with PD. Research has shown that exercise is the only intervention with the potential to slow the progression of the disease. In this episode, Physical Therapist Tricia Brown, PT, DPT, NCS of Chapman University in California, who specializes in neurologic diseases, discusses some considerations for exercising safely, taking into account the particular needs of people with PD. She also talks about how to get and stay motivated to exercise and where to find classes or programs.

    22 min

  4. JUL 9

    Introducing Our Hospital Safety Guide

    A hospital stay can be a stressful situation for everyone, whether you are the person receiving care or the support person providing comfort.  People with Parkinson’s (PD) are at a higher risk of hospitalizations, so it is crucial to be prepared ahead of time for when the situation arises. The Parkinson’s Foundation recently created the Hospital Safety Guide, which is the updated and improved version of the former Aware in Care kit. The Guide incorporates information from the kit, but now highlights the “Five Parkinson’s Care Needs”, which is a tool for communicating your needs and priorities with hospital staff. It also includes a Hospital Planner checklist with step-by-step instructions on how to create a hospital “go bag” for emergencies. The Guide provides infographics and real-life examples from people with Parkinson’s and loved ones who have solved common problems relating to their PD when in the hospital.  In this episode, Annie Brooks, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Parkinson’s Foundation, discusses features of the new Hospital Safety Guide and how best to use it.

    21 min

  5. JUN 25

    ¡EN ESPAÑOL! Colaborando con los trabajadores de salud comunitaria

    Los trabajadores de salud comunitaria (TSC o CHW, por sus siglas en inglés) o promotores ayudan a cerrar la brecha entre los profesionales de la salud y los miembros de la comunidad proporcionando educación y recursos culturalmente competentes y relevantes a la comunidad local. Desempeñan un papel vital en la interacción con la comunidad para identificar necesidades, proporcionar educación sanitaria y servir como recurso. Generan confianza y un sentimiento de conexión con los miembros de la comunidad, con el objetivo de empoderarlos para tomar decisiones informadas acerca de su salud y bienestar en general.     La Parkinson’s Foundation puso en marcha un programa de formación para promotores para brindarles educación acerca de la enfermedad de Parkinson, con la esperanza de que esto los lleve a compartir y generar conciencia acerca de la enfermedad en sus comunidades. En este episodio, invitamos a Ilda Hernandez, una promotora que trabaja con Enlace en la zona de Chicago y que recientemente completó la formación. Habla de la importancia de trabajar en colaboración con las organizaciones locales y los sistemas de salud y destaca algunos desafíos que ha enfrentado durante sus esfuerzos de vinculación en su comunidad.

    24 min

  6. MAY 28

    Implications of Gene-Based Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease

    Gene-based therapy for Parkinson’s disease is an area of research that is currently being developed. It works by introducing genetic material into the brain, which can then “instruct” cells to produce compounds that can potentially alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s. Although years have gone by since the first gene-based clinical trial, there is still much to learn before fully realizing its potential impact to treat Parkinson’s disease. In this episode, Movement Disorders Neurologist, Andrew Feigin, MD of New York University Langone Health discusses what gene-based therapy is, how it differs from cell-based therapy, different trials currently in progress, and considerations for future research.

    23 min

  7. APR 2

    Celebrating Our Parkinson’s Foundation Volunteers

    This month, we are honoring and celebrating our Parkinson’s Foundation volunteers. Every volunteer helps make a difference in the everyday lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease, whether it’s by helping organize a local community walk, serving as a research advocate providing feedback and collaborating with scientists on research studies, or speaking at a panel for a community education program. There are many opportunities to get involved with the Foundation. In this episode, we highlight two volunteers who share their stories about how they became involved with the Parkinson’s Foundation.

    23 min

  8. MAR 5

    Exploring Carbidopa-Levodopa for Treating Parkinson’s Symptoms

    Carbidopa-levodopa is considered the “gold standard treatment” for Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa works to replace levels of dopamine in the brain, thereby alleviating PD symptoms, while Carbidopa works to reduce adverse effects in the rest of the body. Although years have passed since the creation of this treatment, it is still commonly known to be an effective drug for reducing PD symptoms in a majority of people living with Parkinson’s. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Emily Peron, PharmD and Dr. Leslie Cloud, MD from Virginia Commonwealth University*. They discuss how and why carbidopa-levodopa continues to be a standard treatment for PD, long-term use considerations, its different forms, and when to recognize the need for potential medication adjustments. *Denotes a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

    31 min
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How can people with Parkinson's live a better life today? Join the Parkinson's Foundation as we highlight the treatments and techniques that can help all people affected by Parkinson’s live a better life today, as well as the research that can bring a better tomorrow.

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