The Parkinson's Experience podcast

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

Who doesn't like magic tricks? I love watching magicians trying to surprise the audience with their slight of hand tricks. Always fascinates me and asking how do they do that. What does this have to do with the Parkinson's Experience? Well, my guest today turned to learning magic after he was diagnosed with PD and could no longer work as a nurse. Although his main symptom is bradykinesia or slowness of movement, he is able to perform magic with a little help from getting Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. He performs and has recruited a community of magicians to join him is raising awareness of Parkinson's and fundraise for PD research. His organization is called Slow Motion Magic, and his book and fundraiser is called Conjuring for a Cure. This is an inspirational, positive story you don't want to miss. 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.amazon.com/s?k=conjuring+for+a+cure&crid=4BAMLO9ZLUWQ&sprefix=conjuring+for+%2Caps%2C229&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker_1_14 https://slowmotionmagic.org/

September is Fall Prevention month. As we age, falling—or even the fear of falling—becomes increasingly common. For people with Parkinson's, the risk is often higher due to specific changes in the body that affect balance, strength, and coordination. Almost all of us will experience a fall at some point, which is why it's so important to understand your abilities, recognize your tendencies, and keep open communication with your neurologist and care team. The good news is that there are effective ways to improve balance, manage dizziness, and build strength. Prevention truly is key. Today, I have two special guests joining me: · Dr. Ospina, a Movement Disorder Specialist (MDS), who explains why people with Parkinson's are more likely to face fall risks as part of the disease process—and what's happening in the body that leads to falls. She also shares strategies and treatments that can help reduce those risks. · A home safety expert, whose company evaluates living spaces and provides personalized recommendations to make your home safer. Their process is clinically guided, ensuring that the solutions fit your individual needs. This service is incredibly valuable for anyone looking to prevent falls at home. As we recognize Fall Prevention Month, I'd love to hear from you. Do you have a personal story about a fall, or tips you've used to reduce your ownl risk? Please share your experiences in the comments section or email at [email protected]. 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.dbsandme.com/17branches https://measurabilities.com/ https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/index.html