The Parkinson's Life Podcast

"I realised I am not my disease. I'm a person living with PD, and I aim to live life fully."

In this episode of the Parkinson's Life podcast, we explore the relationship between Parkinson's and creativity, and why so many people with the condition report becoming more creative after being diagnosed.

The episode is part of Parkinson's Europe's Art With a Heart campaign, which celebrates artists with Parkinson's who use their work to raise awareness and funds.

We begin with Sara Zeggio, a PhD student at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, who researches creative methods in Parkinson's care.

She talks us through her study of how people with Parkinson's perceive changes in their creativity, and why a shift in creativity could be worth mentioning to a healthcare professional. Sara also tells us about the Art Inquiry Lab, and why she believes the arts should be seen as a necessity in healthcare, rather than a luxury.

We then meet three artists. Barbara Salsberg Mathews, an illustrator, painter and author, describes how her diagnosis initially stopped her painting, and how she now puts her tremor to work when shading her drawings. She also tells us about her book, Harvesting Joy, a vibrant collection of illustrations and real stories exploring how people with Parkinson's find and harvest joy.

Rudolph Castro, a filmmaker, illustrator and musician from Peru, shares the inspiration behind Parkinson's Scores, a project that turns the movements of people with Parkinson's into music.

Finally, photographer Cristian Mitrani, based in Argentina, explains why keeping busy is so important for coping with the emotional side of Parkinson's, and how his prints are raising funds for Parkinson's Europe.

Links:

The Art with a Heart campaign: https://parkinsonseurope.org/parkinsons-art-with-a-heart

Harvesting Joy: https://parkinsonseurope.org/harvestingjoy

Cristian Mitrani Photography: https://parkinsonseurope.org/cristian-mitrani

The Art Inquiry Lab: https://art-inquiry-lab.com

Paper: Neuropsychological insights into creativity in people with Parkinson’s disease: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12630753

Rudolph Castro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rudolphcastro/?hl=en

Meet your hosts:

Amelia Hursey is Strategic Director at Parkinson's Europe. She has a master's in cognitive neuropsychology and has been involved in the neurodegenerative research world for 15 years.

Anthony Zahra is a broadcaster and journalist with more than 20 years' experience in radio, digital and podcasting.

For the latest research and information on Parkinson's, visit the Parkinson's Europe website.

If you like what you've heard, please rate and review – it helps make sure others can find us. Keep a lookout for our next episode and until then, take care!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I thought - not a chance. No way on earth will I have brain surgery. Where I am now is astounding.”

In this episode of the Parkinson's Life podcast, we explore the next frontier of deep brain stimulation, adaptive DBS, through the eyes of a patient who has experienced it first-hand, the nurse who programmed it, and the neurologist helping to shape how it's used across Europe.

Kevin Roberts was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2012 and spent years managing his symptoms with medication before dyskinesia finally pushed him towards DBS. 

He tells us what it took to say yes to brain surgery, what the weeks and months after the operation were really like.

Kevin is joined by Michelle Gibbs, a clinical nurse specialist at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, who has guided him through every stage of his DBS journey; from the initial assessments, to activating the adaptive system. 

She explains what adaptive DBS actually does, how she and Kevin used brain signal timelines to fine-tune his programming, and why the people closest to a patient are often the most valuable voices in the consultation room.

Dr Gerd Tinkhauser, a neurologist specialising in movement disorders at University Hospital Bern in Switzerland, offers the broader clinical perspective; from how patients are selected for DBS, to what we still have to learn about when and for whom adaptive stimulation is the right step.

Together, they cover what to expect from the assessment process, how to talk to your neurologist about DBS, the difference between conventional and adaptive stimulation, and why getting the most from this therapy is very much a team effort.

This podcast is sponsored by Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology. 

For the latest research and information on Parkinson's, visit parkinsonseurope.org. If you like what you've heard, please rate and review the podcast, it helps make sure others can find us. 

Keep a lookout for our next episode and until then, take care!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“A doctor wants to make us better. But patients want to feel good too.”

In this special World Parkinson's Day episode of the Parkinson's Life podcast, we're shining a light on Parkinson's nurses, and the enormous difference they can make to the lives of people living with the condition.

Parkinson's nurses are sign-posters, counsellors, prescribers and researchers. But across Europe, access to this vital role is far from consistent. 

To explore what that gap really means, we hear from Karen Lumey, who has lived with Parkinson's for 14 years in the Netherlands, and her Parkinson's nurse, Friedhelm Chmell, based in Germany. 

Their relationship offers a vivid picture of what good, accessible care looks like. 

We also hear from Massimiliano Iachini, who was diagnosed in Turin, Italy, almost 20 years ago and has never had access to a Parkinson's nurse. For him, the prospect of having one remains, in his own words, "something like a dream."

Their stories, like so many others, are the driving force behind Parkinson's Europe's World Parkinson's Day 2026 campaign: bridging the care gap. 

We look at why care is so inconsistent across Europe, what the latest research tells us about the impact Parkinson's nurses have on health outcomes, and what needs to happen at a European policy level to change things. 

To find out more and sign the Parkinson's Europe campaign pledge, visit parkinsonseurope.org/campaigns/world-parkinsons-day.

Meet your hosts: 

Amelia Hursey is Strategic Director at Parkinson's Europe. She has a Master's in cognitive neuropsychology and has been involved in the neurodegenerative research world for 15 years. 

Anthony Zahra is a broadcaster and journalist with more than 20 years' experience in radio, digital and podcasting.

For the latest research and information on Parkinson's, visit the Parkinson's Europe website. If you like what you've heard, please rate and review – it helps make sure others can find us. Keep a lookout for our next episode and until then, take care!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast has been developed and funded by Merz Therapeutics GmbH. 

"90% of women said their neurologist had never asked them about the impact of hormones on their symptoms.”

In this special International Women's Day episode, we explore the unique and often overlooked experiences of women living with Parkinson's - from the impact of hormones and the menstrual cycle, to menopause, bone health, HRT, and the persistent gaps in research and clinical trials.

Richelle Flanagan is a registered dietician who has lived with young onset Parkinson's for nearly ten years. 

Drawing on her own experience, she founded and founder of an app to help women with Parkinson's track their symptoms across their stages of life.

She is joined by Silvia Enriquez, a neurologist and clinical researcher specialising in biomarkers at Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona, with a particular interest in sex differences in Parkinson's symptoms and clinical trials.

And Cathy Molohan, who is a board member of Parkinson's Europe and a passionate advocate for women with Parkinson's, and has been living with the condition for nearly fifteen years.

Together, our three guests explore what the data tells us, what's still missing, and what needs to change, from the consulting room to the clinical trial.

The content of this episode was up to date and accurate at the time of recording in February 2026. 

This episode has been reviewed by Merz Therapeutics GmbH

For the latest research and information on Parkinson's, visit parkinsonseurope.org.

If you like what you've heard, please rate and review — it helps make sure others can find us. 

Keep a lookout for our next episode and until then, take care!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I wanted to know what kind of mutation I had, because I wanted to pay attention to the research.”

In this episode of the Parkinson’s Life podcast, we’re exploring the world of genetics, the role it plays in Parkinson’s, and how research in this area could transform the future of care for everyone with the condition.

Genetics is emerging as one of the most promising areas of research, offering new insights into both the causes of Parkinson’s and potential treatments.

During the episode, we meet Rita, a 42-year-old jewellery designer in Porto, who tells us about her Parkinson’s journey, and why she chose to have her genetics tested.

We also meet two people who are at the forefront of the latest genetics research.

David Dexter, Director of Research at Parkinson's UK, discusses the groundbreaking Landmark Trial, which will use donated brain tissue to unlock the secrets of genetic risk factors.

J Solle, from the Michael J Fox Foundation, introduces us to GP2, an ambitious global programme designed to address the lack of diverse representation in genetic research: "If you do not look in all ancestries, you're simply going to miss something.”

Meet your hosts: 

Amelia Hursey is Strategic Director at Parkinson’s Europe. She has a master’s in cognitive neuropsychology and has been involved in the neurodegenerative research world for 15 years.

Anthony Zahra is a broadcaster and journalist with more than 20 years’ experience in radio, digital and podcasting.

For the latest research and information on Parkinson’s, visit the Parkinson’s Europe website.

If you like what you’ve heard, please rate and review – it helps make sure others can find us. Keep a lookout for our next episode and until then, take care!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“What we wanted was for people to come together. If it achieves better awareness and better treatment, then I think we've done our job.”

As the Parkinson’s Life podcast marks World Parkinson’s Day 2025, we meet Lizzie Graham, co-founder of Parkinson's Europe and our former Secretary General.

Lizzie was one of the key driving forces behind the creation of Parkinson’s Europe, then called the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA), back in the early 1990s.

She was also instrumental in launching the very first World Parkinson’s Day in 1997, recalling how they gained support from the likes of Princess Diana, Muhammad Ali, and Pope John Paul II.

We also meet Jessie Duncan, European Outreach and Engagement Manager at Parkinson's Europe, who tells us what’s happening across Europe to mark World Parkinson’s Day.

Meet your hosts: 

Amelia Hersey is Strategic Director at Parkinson's Europe. She has a master's in cognitive neuropsychology and has been involved in the neurodegenerative research world for 15 years.

Anthony Zahra is a broadcaster and journalist with more than 20 years’ experience in radio, digital and podcasting.

For the latest research and information on Parkinson’s, visit the Parkinson's Europe website.

If you like what you’ve heard, please rate and review – it helps make sure others can find us. Keep a lookout for our next episode and until then, take care!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are disease modifying therapies (DMTs) and what impact could they have for people living with Parkinson’s?

In this episode, we delve into the evolving world of DMTs, exploring their potential to slow, halt, or even reverse the progression of Parkinson's, and the challenges involved in bringing these therapies to fruition.

We hear from Philippe, who shares his personal journey with the condition and his thoughts on what it means to slow its progression.

Joining him is Kate Trenam, a Senior Director at the global biopharma company UCB, who provides expert insights into current research, global collaboration efforts, and how DMTs could one day change the way Parkinson’s is treated.

We explore the challenges of measuring the effectiveness of DMTs, the importance of global representation in clinical studies, and why continued patient participation in research is critical to progress.

Meet your hosts: 

Amelia Hersey is Research Manager at Parkinson's Europe. She has a master's in cognitive neuropsychology and has been involved in the neurodegenerative research world for 15 years.

Anthony Zahra is a broadcaster and journalist with more than 20 years’ experience in radio, digital and podcasting.

For the latest research and information on Parkinson’s, visit the Parkinson's Europe website.

If you like what you’ve heard, please rate and review – it helps make sure others can find us. Keep a lookout for our next episode and until then, take care!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore deep brain stimulation (DBS) and the impact it can have on people with Parkinson’s.

Gerlach Roomans was diagnosed in 2009 and decided to have a DBS procedure after a discussion with his neurologist.

He describes how he felt in the lead up to the operation, the experience of DBS itself, and how it has affected his life since.

He is joined by Lucy Partington-Smith, a DBS and advanced therapy nurse specialist in Manchester in the UK.

And Veerle Visser-Vandewalle, a neurosurgeon and Head of the Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery at the University of Cologne.

Together, they discuss all aspects of DBS from how it is decided whether it is suitable for a patient, the risks associated, some of the potential side effects, and the ongoing support that is provided after the initial surgery.

For the latest research and information on Parkinson’s, visit the Parkinson's Europe website.

If you like what you’ve heard, please rate and review – it helps make sure others can find us. Keep a lookout for our next episode and until then, take care!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we look at the role that technology can play in supporting people with Parkinson’s.  

UK-based Elaine Payne shares how she uses digital devices to help manage her Parkinson’s symptoms – and why she encourages those with the condition to connect with others in the community. 

She talks to Dr Alistair Mackett, a consultant geriatrician at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, UK, who sheds light on some of the tools and resources available. 

Joining them is Lucy Jung, CEO of technology company Charco Neurotech, who highlights the impact that digital support can have for both clinicians and people with Parkinson’s. 

Together, our guests explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing technology into management strategies – and look at possible future developments in this area. 

This podcast is sponsored by Charco Neurotech, the technology company behind the CUE devices – wearable medical tools designed to support movement in people with Parkinson’s. The episode represents the individual views and experiences of the podcast attendees.  

For the latest research and information on Parkinson’s, visit www.parkinsonseurope.org.

If you like what you’ve heard, please rate and review – it helps make sure others can find us. Keep a lookout for our next episode and until then, take care!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we focus on sialorrhea. Also known as drooling, this is a common symptom experienced by people with Parkinson’s.

UK-based David Bateson, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2015, explains how sialorrhea has impacted his speech, working life and interactions with others.

He is joined by Dr Francesca Morgante, a neurologist based at St George’s, University of London – who has been working with David for several years.

Together, the pair tackle key questions around sialorrhea – and share insights on how to manage it.

This podcast has been sponsored by Merz Therapeutics. The content of this episode was up to date and accurate at the time of recording in June 2023. The episode represents the attendees’ own opinions and experiences. This episode has been reviewed by Merz Therapeutics.

Parkinson’s Life magazine is produced by Speak Media on behalf of Parkinson’s Europe, the leading voice for Parkinson’s in Europe. For the latest research and information on Parkinson’s, visit www.parkinsonseurope.org.

If you like what you’ve heard, please rate and review – it helps make sure others can find us. And if you’d like to share your story with Parkinson’s Life magazine, get in touch through Facebook, Twitter or by emailing [email protected]. Keep a lookout for our next episode and until then, take care!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.