Swallowing changes are one of the most overlooked—and most important—symptoms in Parkinson's disease. In this episode (see on YouTube), we break down how swallowing works, how Parkinson's can interfere with it, and the signs that may point to dysphagia (swallowing difficulty). We cover:

• The normal phases of swallowing

• How Parkinson's affects swallowing function

• Common signs of dysphagia

• Why liquids are often the hardest thing to swallow

• What people should *not* try on their own

• Why a proper swallowing evaluation matters

We also explain the difference between a **Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)** and **FEES** (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing), when each is used, and why it's important not to make changes—especially thickening liquids—without professional guidance. If swallowing has become more difficult, more frustrating, or more concerning, this episode will help you understand what's happening and what to do next.

—

👉 Swallowing is only part of the story… In the next episode, we're talking about **dry mouth, drooling, and one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of aspiration pneumonia.**

—

👥 Featuring collaboration with Sarah Awde, M.Cl.Sc. Speech Language Pathology (Get LOUD! Stay LOUD!)

These educational topics and classes to help are included as part of Get LOUD! Stay LOUD! Use this link and use code HYLAND50 at checkout for 50% off your first month (PLUS your first month is already FREE!): http://getloudstayloud.mn.co/users/onboarding/plans?via=michael

📌 Subscribe to follow the full Parkinson's Communication Roadmap series. #Parkinsons #Dysphagia #SwallowingDisorders #ParkinsonsDisease #SpeechTherapy #Neurology

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Parkinson's Disease Education

P.O. Box 1678

Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Medical Disclaimer: All information, content, and material of this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that links used for recommended products may earn me a commission when you make purchases. However, this does not impact what products I recommend. If I recommend a specific product it is because it has been vetted by myself or based on personal use

#parkinson #parkinsonsawareness #parkinsonsdisease #parkinsons #dysphagia #swallowingdisorders #speechtherapy

If you've noticed changes in your voice or speech with Parkinson's disease, you might be wondering: "Can this actually get better?" The answer is YES — and in this episode, we show you exactly how.

In Part 2 of our Parkinson's Communication Series, we break down the most effective, Parkinson's-specific speech therapy approaches, including:

• LSVT LOUD (Look up local clinicians HERE: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/lsvtfindclinicians)

• SPEAK OUT! (Look up local clinicians HERE: https://parkinsonvoiceproject.org/program/find-a-provider/)

• How these programs are similar—and how they're different

• What the core voice exercises actually look like

• Simple demonstrations of the most important "bread-and-butter" techniques

We also walk through how to access speech therapy, what to expect from treatment, and how ongoing programs like Get LOUD! Stay LOUD! ***SEE BELOW*** help people maintain progress over time with guided practice and support.

If you're living with Parkinson's—or supporting someone who is—this episode will give you a clear, practical understanding of what actually works when it comes to improving speech and communication.

👉 And here's something most people don't realize: The same muscles you use for speaking are also responsible for swallowing.

In the next episode, we'll break down what happens to swallowing in Parkinson's—and why it matters more than you might think.

👥 Featuring collaboration with Sarah Awde, M.Cl.Sc. Speech Language Pathology (Get LOUD! Stay LOUD!)

📌 Subscribe to follow the full Parkinson's Communication Roadmap series.

***To get access to Get LOUD Stay LOUD you can try it free for 30 days, and if you choose to continue, you'll get 50% off your first paid month using code HYLAND50 at checkout.

👇 Use this link to get started: http://getloudstayloud.mn.co/users/onboarding/plans?via=michael ***

Help to support this channel and our efforts to educate the world about Parkinson's Disease and get access to personalized content:

• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0g3abv8hkaqZbGD8y1dfYQ/join
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If you have products that you would like for me to review on the channel please send them here:

Parkinson's Disease Education

P.O. Box 1678

Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that links used for recommended products may earn me a commission when you make purchases. However, this does not impact what products I recommend. If I recommend a specific product it is because it has been vetted by myself or based on personal use

#parkinson #parkinsonsawareness #parkinsonsdisease #parkinsons #lsvtloud #speakout #speechtherapy

In this first episode covering communication and speech changes in Parkinson's Disease (see on YouTube), we break down why communication changes happen in Parkinson's—and what's really going on beneath the surface.

We cover:

-Changes in speech and voice (reduced volume, clarity, and changes in speaking rate)

-Word-finding and sentence formulation difficulties

-Nonverbal communication (facial masking, reduced gestures, posture)

-Cognitive-communication changes (slowed thinking, attention, planning what to say)

-The impact of mood and motivation (anxiety, depression, confidence in social situations)

-Understanding these changes is the first step toward improving communication and staying connected.

🎤 Want help putting this into practice? If you're living with Parkinson's and want to improve your voice and communication, I highly recommend checking out Get LOUD! Stay LOUD! — an online program designed specifically for Parkinson's. You can try it free for 30 days, and if you choose to continue, you'll get 50% off your first paid month. 👇

Use my link to get started: http://getloudstayloud.mn.co/users/onboarding/plans?via=michael Use code HYLAND50 at checkout to receive your discount.

🔔 Don't miss the next episode In Episode 2, we'll walk you through the exact therapy approaches and core exercises used to improve speech in Parkinson's—and what you can start doing right away.

Help to support this channel and our efforts to educate the world about Parkinson's Disease and get access to personalized content:

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Parkinson's Disease Education

P.O. Box 1678

Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Medical Disclaimer: All information, content, and material of this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that links used for recommended products may earn me a commission when you make purchases. However, this does not impact what products I recommend. If I recommend a specific product it is because it has been vetted by myself or based on personal use

In this episode (watch on YouTube), we take a closer look at Buntanetap, an investigational therapy that is gaining attention for its potential to target the underlying biology of Parkinson's disease—not just the symptoms.

Unlike traditional treatments that focus on dopamine replacement, Buntanetap works upstream by regulating the production of proteins like alpha-synuclein, which are believed to play a central role in neurodegeneration. This represents a fundamentally different approach that could, in theory, slow disease progression.

We'll break down:

-How Buntanetap works at the cellular level

-Why targeting protein production may matter

-What early clinical trial data suggests

-How it compares to other emerging therapies

-What patients and clinicians should realistically take away right now

While early findings are promising, it's important to emphasize that Buntanetap is still under investigation and not yet approved for clinical use. As with many emerging therapies in Parkinson's disease, cautious optimism is key. If you're interested in the future of Parkinson's treatment and how research is evolving beyond dopamine, this is a conversation worth understanding.

Help to support this channel and our efforts to educate the world about Parkinson's Disease and get access to personalized content:

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If you have products that you would like for me to review on the channel please send them here:

Parkinson's Disease Education

P.O. Box 1678

Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that links used for recommended products may earn me a commission when you make purchases. However, this does not impact what products I recommend. If I recommend a specific product it is because it has been vetted by myself or based on personal use

#parkinson #parkinsonsawareness #parkinsonsdisease #parkinsons #buntanetap #movementdisorder

Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 (FGF-1) is being discussed as a potential regenerative therapy for Parkinson's disease. Some claim it may protect or even restore dopamine-producing neurons. But what does the science actually say?

In this episode, we break down:

• What FGF-1 is and how it works

• Why growth factors are being explored in Parkinson's disease

• How FGF-1 compares to decades of research on Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)

• What animal studies show — and what human trials do not yet show

• The risks, unknowns, and delivery challenges

• How to think critically about regenerative claims Parkinson's disease urgently needs disease-modifying therapies.

Growth factors are biologically plausible and scientifically interesting — but promising is not the same as proven. This video is an evidence-based look at where FGF-1 stands today. If you're living with Parkinson's, caring for someone who is, or simply trying to understand the science behind emerging therapies, this episode is for you.

This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Head here to learn more about the FGF-1 work being done at Zhittya Genesis Medicine: https://www.pd-studies.org/

Help to support this channel and our efforts to educate the world about Parkinson's Disease and get access to personalized content:

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Parkinson's Disease Education

P.O. Box 1678

Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Medical Disclaimer: All information, content, and material of this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that links used for recommended products may earn me a commission when you make purchases. However, this does not impact what products I recommend. If I recommend a specific product it is because it has been vetted by myself or based on personal use

#parkinsonsawareness #FGF1#Neuroprotection #ParkinsonsResearch #DiseaseModifyingTherapy #MovementDisorders

MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound (FUS) is an FDA-approved treatment option for certain motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease — particularly medication-refractory tremor and levodopa-induced dyskinesia. But what exactly does it do? And just as importantly — what does it not do?

In this episode, I break down:

• How MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound works

• What part of the brain is targeted

• Who may be an appropriate candidate

• How it compares to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

• The risks, limitations, and realistic expectations

Focused ultrasound is not a cure for Parkinson's. It does not slow disease progression. But for carefully selected patients, it can meaningfully reduce specific motor symptoms. As always, this episode is for educational purposes only and is not individual medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with your neurologist and care team.

If you find this helpful, consider subscribing for more evidence-based discussions on Parkinson's treatment options.

Help to support this channel and out efforts to educate the world about Parkinson's Disease and get access to personalized content:

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Comfort Linen: https://comfortlinen.com/PARKINSONSDISEASEEDUCATION (15% off entire order when applying the code PARKINSONSDISEASEEDUCATION at checkout)

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If you have products that you would like for me to review on the channel please send them here:

Parkinson's Disease Education

P.O. Box 1678

Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that links used for recommended products may earn me a commission when you make purchases. However, this does not impact what products I recommend. If I recommend a specific product it is because it has been vetted by myself or based on personal use.

#parkinson #parkinsonsawareness #parkinsonsdisease #parkinsons #focusedultrasound #fus

Parkinson's disease management is constantly evolving, and new tools are always emerging. One device getting attention in the Parkinson's community is the BeechBand — a wrist-worn wearable that provides gentle rhythmic vibrations as a form of sensory cueing. See https://www.beechband.com

In this episode (watch on YouTube), we break down:

• What the BeechBand is

• How it's thought to work

• What users are reporting

• What the science currently does — and does not — show

• Important limitations to understand before trying it

While some people with Parkinson's say the device helps with relaxation, speech rhythm, or movement cueing, it's important to know that the Beech Band is considered a wellness device, not a medical treatment, and large clinical trials are still lacking. The goal of this episode is to give you a balanced, evidence-aware overview so you can make informed decisions and have productive conversations with your healthcare team. If you've tried the BeechBand, feel free to share your experience in the comments — your perspective may help others in the Parkinson's community.

Help to support this channel and out efforts to educate the world about Parkinson's Disease and get access to personalized content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0g3abv8hkaqZbGD8y1dfYQ/join

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If you have products that you would like for me to review on the channel please send them here:

Parkinson's Disease Education

P.O. Box 1678

Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that links used for recommended products may earn me a commission when you make purchases. However, this does not impact what products I recommend. If I recommend a specific product it is because it has been vetted by myself or based on personal use

#ParkinsonsDisease #ParkinsonsSupport #ParkinsonsAwareness #BeechBand #Neurorehab #LivingWithParkinsons

Tavapadon is a new investigational medication for Parkinson's disease that works very differently from traditional dopamine agonists. Instead of broadly stimulating dopamine receptors, tavapadon selectively targets D1 receptors—the brain's primary "go" signal for movement—and does so as a partial agonist.

In this episode (watch on YouTube), I explain:

-How dopamine pathways actually work in Parkinson's disease

-Why most current dopamine agonists target D2 and D3 receptors

-What makes tavapadon's D1-selective mechanism unique

-How partial agonism may reduce receptor burnout and side effects

-Why researchers are excited about restoring the brain's direct motor pathway

This is not medical advice. The goal of this video is education—breaking down the science behind emerging Parkinson's treatments so patients, caregivers, and clinicians can better understand what's coming and what questions still remain.

Help to support this channel and out efforts to educate the world about Parkinson's Disease and get access to personalized content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0g3abv8hkaqZbGD8y1dfYQ/join

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If you have products that you would like for me to review on the channel please send them here:

Parkinson's Disease Education

P.O. Box 1678

Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that links used for recommended products may earn me a commission when you make purchases. However, this does not impact what products I recommend. If I recommend a specific product it is because it has been vetted by myself or based on personal use

#parkinsonsdisease #tavapadon #dopamine #parkinsonsresearch #movementdisorders #neurology #parkinson #parkinsonsawarenes #parkinsons

In this episode (watch on YouTube) we examine recent lab and animal research suggesting ivermectin — a widely used antiparasitic — can alter striatal circuits and enhance L-DOPA responses in preclinical Parkinson's models.

We'll explain the likely mechanisms (ion-channel modulation at P2X4 and nicotinic receptors), review safety concerns (blood-brain-barrier and neurotoxicity risks), and explain why there are no human trials yet proving efficacy in Parkinson's.

Sources and further reading are here:

1. Ivermectin increases striatal cholinergic activity to facilitate dopamine terminal function https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38632622/

2. Serious Neurological Adverse Events after Ivermectin https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5929173/

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If you have products that you would like for me to review on the channel please send them here:

Parkinson's Disease Education

P.O. Box 1678

Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that links used for recommended products may earn me a commission when you make purchases. However, this does not impact what products I recommend. If I recommend a specific product it is because it has been vetted by myself or based on personal use.

#parkinson #parkinsonsawareness #parkinsonsdisease #parkinsons #Neuroscience#MedicalResearch #Ivermectin #movementdisorders

Roche/Genentech announced on June 15–16, 2025 that prasinezumab — an anti-α-synuclein monoclonal antibody — will enter Phase III trials for early Parkinson's disease after mixed but encouraging Phase II signals.

In this episode (watch on YouTube) we explain the biology behind α-synuclein targeting, summarize the PASADENA and PADOVA findings (what was missed and what looked promising), discuss safety issues and trial design challenges, and speak with experts/patients about realistic timelines and hopes for disease-modifying therapies

To follow trials like this and to have customized information and results delivered to you directly, consider signing up to try Turnto and the AI sidekick Turny. Sign up here and use the promo code PDEDUCATION for a 10% discount: https://www.turnto.ai/sidekick?fpr=pdeducation

Help to support this channel and out efforts to educate the world about Parkinson's Disease and get access to personalized content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0g3abv8hkaqZbGD8y1dfYQ/join

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If you have products that you would like for me to review on the channel please send them here:

Parkinson's Disease Education

P.O. Box 1678

Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this video is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that links used for recommended products may earn me a commission when you make purchases. However, this does not impact what products I recommend. If I recommend a specific product it is because it has been vetted by myself or based on personal use.

#parkinson #parkinsonsawareness #parkinsonsdisease #parkinsons #prasinezumab #monoclonalantibodies #alphasynuclein