The Parkinson's Experience podcast

The headline read "Six marathons in six weeks." That hooked me in. Then I read a person with Parkinson's disease was the runner. Wow. I had to learn more.

Everyone reacts differently to the PD diagnosis. Some don't know what to do or where to start. Some are in denial for as long as they can stay that way. Others tackle it with all they have and find they can take more control over their symptoms and life and accomplish more than they ever imagined with or without the diagnosis. This is the inspirational story about one of those guys - Joe Drake.

It starts with goal setting. Along the way, he determined Parkinson's "is all part of the adventure." Stay tuned.

https://joesgottarun.com/

https://www.facebook.com/joe.drake.391/

https://www.instagram.com/jddrake83/

https://www.uncorkedadventures.org/blue_ridge_relay/

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 about when, why, how of driving while diagnosed with Parkinson's. OT's are the professionals who see patients about activities of daily living and are trained to test people on their driving skills. We discuss the testing process and the legal implications. Listen in. Some helpful links are below.

https://adaptivemobility.com/ot-driver-rehabilitation-specialist-directory/

https://impirica.tech/driveable/

https://driveablesolutions.com/

https://drivingtoindependence.com/

The topic of this episode is home safety and how we might think about what we can modify in our homes to be safer in them as we age or as our Parkinson's progresses. I don't think of myself as an anxious person or someone who worries excessively. However, I do like to have information stored away for when I need it. After speaking to our expert on this topic, I feel like I have a resource for when I need it.

The trick is to have someone help you figure out what modification you should consider making before you have a real need for them. For example, avoiding trip hazards if you are experiencing falls or are starting to have dizzy spells, adding grab bars in the correct areas if you need help standing, and carpet versus tile floors. I think you will find this episode very informative and, frankly, upbeat. With a few changes, your home sweet home.

I often get questions from people in the Parkinson's community about various symptoms they are experiencing. Is it the Parkinson's or something else they ask. I usually refer them to their neurologist. Recently, I had a few people ask about changes in their vision which led to challenges in their daily living. I had never thought about vision changes being a thing. So, I sought an expert to explain what vision changes may occur with a Parkinson's diagnosis, why they may occur and what can be done about it. Whether you are currently having issues or not, I think you will benefit from the information shared in this episode.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/providers/profile/ali-hamedani

https://www.nanosweb.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

What is Young Onset Parkinson's Disease or YOPD? Are YOPD people experiences different than the majority who are diagnosis at a later stage in their lives? How do they manage all the other challenges and blessings that life offers while dealing with this progressive illness? How do you navigate life with the PD symptoms you are experiencing in an ever-changing environment?

We will answer these questions and more with an expert Movement Disorder Specialist, Dr. Sana Aslam, and an inspirational young woman living her best life with Parkinson's.

More information on YOPD visit:

https://michaeljfox.org

https://parkinson.org

https://davisphinneyfoundation.org

For Kim Morgan:

@ahealthydoseofstyle

In this episode, we continue our discussion with Dr. Daniel Weintraub on the topic is mental health and the non-motor symptoms of mood disorders that some people with Parkinson's experience. This is part two of our discussion. I hope you were able to listen to part one.

In part one's episode, we got a general overview on the topic of mood and thinking disorders in Parkinson's as well as more specific information on the symptoms of depression and anxiety and possible treatments. In this episode, we address the symptoms of psychosis and cognition along with their possible treatments. I hope you'll listen and encourage friends and family to as well.

https://www.michaeljfox.org/symptoms

https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Symptoms/Non-Movement-Symptoms/Cognitive-Changes

https://www.med.upenn.edu/geriatricpsych/clinicians_weintraub.html

Our next topic is so important we are taking two episodes to tackle it. The topic is mental health and the non-motor symptoms of mood and thinking disorders that some people with Parkinson's experience. It is a very sensitive and tough subject for some people. However, I always subscribe to wanting to understand as much as I can about my condition in order to be best informed and prepared.

We have an excellent physician expert, Dr. Daniel Weintraub from the University of Pennsylvania, to walk us through this topic and the various disorders under the broader umbrella of mental health. First up in this episode, we get a general overview and then address the symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as possible treatments. I hope you'll listen and encourage friends and family to as well.

https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/depression-anxiety

https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Symptoms/Non-Movement-Symptoms/Depression

Here at the Parkinson's Experience, we try to cover every topic that may help even one person out there in podcast land. So, that includes not just the clinical or physical issues that can arise and not just the social and mental challenges that can be difficult but also the financial and work-related strains that can exist for people with a progressive neurological disease.

That leads me to introducing this episode's topic – Social Security Disability (SSD). Because most Parkinson's patients are over 65 years old, this topic might not be discussed much within support groups. However, understanding the who, what, where and why of SSD might be a vital lifeline for the younger crowd as they manage their PD journey. Let's chat with an attorney focused in this area to learn about this option and the process of applying. We learned a lot, hope you do as well.

http://www.injuredworker.com/

https://nosscr.org/

Summer travel season is around the corner. Although we are still Covid aware, it looks like travel is back. Whether by train, plane or automobile, Americans will be moving again. So, it is a fantastic time to check in with a Movement Disorder Specialist neurologist on how best to travel when you have Parkinson's disease or are traveling with someone who does. We discuss general tips that can save time and frustrations as well as how to manage your meds. I get a lot of questions about the latter so stay tuned and take notes. I truly hope you can use this important information for your plans this summer or whenever you hit the road. OK, this podcast is ready for take off!

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/can-you-pack-your-meds-pill-case-and-more-questions-answered

OT is third in our 3-part series on the therapies most important to people with Parkinson's. We covered physical therapy and speech therapy. If you haven't listened to those two yet, please find episodes 49 and 51. They are very educational.

OT, of course, stands for Occupational Therapy. Wait, don't stop listening. OT does not mean occupational training. It does mean therapy or treating patients how to recover and get back to doing their everyday activities. Occupational therapists like the one you'll hear next listen to what activities of daily living you are struggling with and work with you to adapt and/or provide exercises to improve your abilities and live your best life with PD. Some common symptoms might be buttoning a shirt, cutting up food, handwriting or typing and brushing teeth. The good news is occupational therapists can and do help us with any and all of the struggles we come across on this journey. You just need to reach out.

For now, stay tuned to learn from the expert and hear a patient's story.

https://www.lsvtglobal.com/

https://www.pwr4life.org/

https://www.honorhealth.com/neuroscience-institute