The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson's Podcast

Living with Parkinson’s comes with a variety of symptoms, some of which can be unexpected, and frankly, embarrassing. Drooling, bladder issues and sexual dysfunction are hard to talk about, even with loved ones or your doctor – and can affect your self-image,  your intimate relationships or the way you move through the world.  In audio from this Third Thursdays webinar, listen to our expert panel of people living with Parkinson’s, a care partner and a movement disorder specialist discuss Parkinson’s taboo topics and ways that you can navigate hard conversations and embarrassment.  

The biology behind what causes Parkinson’s is complex, with only about a quarter of cases with clear genetic drivers. The environment – where you live, the air you breathe, the food you eat, the world around you – plays a key role in PD. Emerging research is showing environmental exposures to things like pesticides and pollution may interact with a person’s genetics and contribute to the disease. And there’s a myriad of other factors still being investigated, from the forces that drive your access to neighborhoods with clean air and water, good doctors and healthy living opportunities to psychosocial factors like stress and discrimination. In audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar, listen to our expert panel discuss the latest research and ways you can get involved to end preventable exposures and advocate for Parkinson’s policy.  

The drug development pipeline is key to bringing new therapies to people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). With major breakthroughs in research in the past year, including a new biomarker for PD, The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study and other initiatives can be leveraged to create better designed trials. This audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar features a conversation about all the ways clinical trial design is changing, and why leaders in the space believe those changes will lead to better treatments. The webinar includes contributions from a person with PD, a researcher and an industry leader.     

Dating and beginning new relationships with Parkinson’s involve distinct challenges, joys and fears. In this frank and funny podcast, our experts discuss how they face considerations like building and maintaining confidence, disease disclosure, and the importance of self-knowledge and self-care in new relationships. They remind us all that no matter what we’re facing, dating and finding love can be fun and fulfilling. 

We know exercise is important for people with Parkinson’s. Once you’ve decided to move more, what next? In this audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar, our experts discuss strategies for making exercise a meaningful part of your life. They present ways to make time for exercise and to make the most of it, including being aware of different types, frequencies and intensities. This discussion will help you find a way to get moving and stay motivated.