I’ve been eager to share with all of you in podcast land some important information and history about what I believe is one of the key drivers in helping fulfill the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s mission to cure Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), launched in 2010, is a groundbreaking study involving people both with and without Parkinson’s. It gathers data over time to help researchers better understand how Parkinson’s starts, how it progresses, and — most importantly — how to stop it. Sound important? It absolutely is. And it’s still going strong, continually recruiting new participants to join its large and growing community of volunteers. The more data we collect through PPMI, the faster we can accelerate the path to a cure. Maggie Kuhl and Alyssa O’Grady are at the heart of this effort — overseeing the data, bringing in new participants, and tracking the initiative’s progress every step of the way. Listen to what the experts say about how you can contribute to the solution to the Parkinson's puzzle. 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://www.michaeljfox.org/ppmi https://www.ppmi-info.org/
--------
34:51
--------
34:51
121 Thriving with Parkinson's
Listening to personal Parkinson’s stories offers valuable insights for everyone. In this episode, we interview Greg Ritscher, who responded to his diagnosis with determination shaped by his business and personal experiences. Greg also shares a notable DBS story. His journey highlights motivation, positivity, community support, and advocacy. Enjoy our inspiring conversation with Greg. https://gregritscher.com/ 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
--------
40:39
--------
40:39
120 Vestibular Therapy - Your Inner Ear and You
The range of symptoms and affected body systems in Parkinson’s disease is extensive. One area that is less frequently discussed is the vestibular system—the inner ear structure directly connected to the brain, responsible for balance and spatial orientation. When this system malfunctions, individuals may experience dizziness, balance problems and an increased risk of falls, highlighting its importance in your overall health. With aging, the inner ear naturally becomes less robust. Although current research has not yet identified a definitive cause for the higher incidence of vestibular dysfunction in people with Parkinson's disease, effective interventions are available. In this episode, Christopher Taylor, Occupational Therapist at Mayo Clinic, will provide insights into the diagnosis and treatment options—namely vestibular therapy—that can assist with symptoms such as dizziness, gait disturbances, freezing, and postural instability. This discussion aims to enhance our understanding of the crucial role played by the inner ear and its connections. 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://vestibular.org/
--------
44:58
--------
44:58
119 Driving Advice for Parkinson's
One of the possibilities along the Parkinson’s journey is losing the ability to drive safely. This possibility is a scary one. For many, driving equals independence. So, it means more than just the hassle of getting around. It means losing your independence. It can lead to depression and anxiety. However, it is important to be safe on the road while driving a multi-ton vehicle. We must protect ourselves, our family, and others on the road. So, we are talking today with an Occupational Therapist who is so passionate about this topic that she started a business focused on helping people keep their independence if possible. She will take us through the when, why, how of driving while diagnosed with Parkinson’s. OTs are the professionals trained to assess patients on activities of daily living which includes testing people on their driving skills. We discuss the testing process and the legal implications. There are many options for people once it is determined there is a driving defiicit. So, don't give up. Ask an Occupational Therapist for suggestions. Listen in to learn everything about driving with PD. https://drivingtoindependence.com/ https://www.aded.net/? 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
--------
30:39
--------
30:39
118 FREE Parkinson's Wellness in Austin & Online
Where do you exercise? Is there a place you can take classes specific for people with Parkinson’s? Is it convenient? I know of only a handful of cities where there is a one stop fits all approach to PD wellness. Most are created and managed by someone stepping up and doing the work to make it happen for their community and beyond. I am excited to highlight some of these magical places where people with Parkinson’s take classes designed for their needs, provide social support, and community. I am thrilled to bring. you this first magical place. It is in the greater the Austin, TX area and on their YouTube chamnnel. Power For Parkinson’s was founded by two women, Dr. Nina Mosier and Susan Stahl. They both had fathers with Parkinson’s and saw a need, so they found a way to provide research-based exercises while offering them for FREE. With nine locations, the classes are very accessible. Add in the YouTube channell with available streaming and on demand videos all for free, well that is magical. After listening to my guest today, you are going to want to have a similar opportunity in your area as well. Listen on. https://www.powerforparkinsons.org/ https://www.powerforparkinsons.org/youtubeq 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
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
New Zealand