The Parkinson's Experience podcast

I have told this story many times. After my diagnosis, my doctor wanted me to learn the "Big and Loud" program or LSVP. The physical therapist at the outpatient clinic saved my life. He told me I was going to live a long life and how to exercise Big. He told me to do something for my brain like play Mahjong.  I followed his directions. I go to physical therapy every year to continue to work on balance, posture and gait. I think a good PT is a key member of your medical team.
Physical therapy is one of the most powerful tools available for living well with Parkinson's disease, and in this episode, Dr. Jennie Allex explains why movement is truly medicine. As a board-certified neurologic physical therapist and Parkinson's specialist, Jennie shares how targeted exercise can help people maintain mobility, improve balance, reduce fall risk, and preserve independence throughout every stage of the disease.
In this episode, we are focused on one issue which is very important to address – balance. It turns out there is a lot going on in your brain and body to keep you upright. Jennie discusses how Parkinson's affects the three systems that work together in order to prevent falls.  She emphasizes how important it is to get an assessment from a qualified PT so you get the best treatment to improve your balance.
The conversation explores practical strategies for balance while highlighting the importance of consistent exercise between therapy visits. Jennie explains how specialized Parkinson's programs, including evidence-based approaches such as PWR!Moves® and other Parkinson's-specific interventions, help retrain movement and build confidence.
Whether you're newly diagnosed, have been living with Parkinson's for years, or care for someone with the disease, this episode provides practical, encouraging guidance on how physical therapy can help you move better, stay stronger, and continue living to the fullest.
 https://www.dailydosepd.com/
https://theparkinsonsfitnessproject.com/
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

Today we are going to describe and explain neuropathy. What is it? Why am I experience the symptoms? What causes the symptoms to come and go? Is it due to my Parkinson's disease or just old age?
This is the second of three episodes in the "Dr. Ospina Explains" series. In this episode, we learn all about neuropathies. So, if you have or had or anticipate having any tingling, numbness, burning, weakness is your feet or elsewhere, this is the episode for you.
https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/peripheral-neuropathy-parkinsons-disease/
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

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

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

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