The Parkinson's Experience podcast

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

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/

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/

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

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. If this exist in your area, like Power for Parkinson's in Austin and my guest today from Parkinson's Body & Mind in Connecticut, please take advantage of it.  Exercise is the only proven way to slow the progression of the disease. Let's exercise and build a community together.
Lynn Hagerbrant is the co-founder of Parkinson's Body & Mind. It is a not-for-profit organization that provides exercise classes in partnership with local YMCAs and now offer them virtually.  They have a speaker series, support groups and mentorships. It is a one stop shop for PwP and their care partners. Most this is free for the PWP and their care partner removing a barrier for some to access these kinds of wellness programs.
Learn more by listening to this conversation with Lynn. How might you form a similar organization in your part of the country to provide valuable classes and a greater sense of community?
https://www.parkinsonsbodyandmind.org/
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