The Parkinson's Life Podcast

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.

Following our previous episode on what to expect with ‘off’ periods in Parkinson’s, this episode focuses on potential management methods.

Canada-based Barbara Salsberg Mathews, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2020, shares her personal strategies for tackling ‘off’ states and the impact these have had.

She is joined by Dr Silvia Rota, an Italian neurologist and clinical research fellow who sheds light on various treatments and approaches that may be beneficial.

Together, our two guests explore how different tactics can help people to take better control of their ‘off’ periods – and why open communication is key.

This episode was funded by pharmaceutical company Bial. The content of this episode was up to date and accurate at the time of recording in October 2023. The episode represents the individual views and experiences of the podcast attendees.

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.

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.

In this episode we focus on ‘off’ periods – when Parkinson’s medication is not as effective as it should be, and symptoms become more difficult to manage. 

US-based Bill Bucklew shares how his ‘off’ periods have evolved since he was diagnosed with the condition in 2012, and how they play a role in his daily life. 

Joining him is Dr Valentina Leta, a neurologist based in Italy who highlights the importance of increasing awareness around this important topic. 

Together, our guests explore what people should know about the different types of ‘off’ periods, how to identify them – and how they can impact people in the Parkinson’s community. 

This episode was funded by pharmaceutical company Bial. The content of this episode was up to date and accurate at the time of recording in October 2023. The episode represents the individual views and experiences of the podcast attendees.

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.  

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.

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

In this episode, we explore gait impairment – a common symptom of Parkinson’s that can involve slowness, muscle stiffness and freezing – and how it impacts people living with the condition.

Our first guest is David Little, who lives in Carlisle, UK. Having previously worked as a firefighter, David was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 2005. David has experienced first-hand the effects of gait impairment in his day-to-day life and says he’s keen to challenge the misconceptions that can surround the condition.

He is joined by Martina Mancini from Italy, who works as an assistant professor in the neurology department at the Oregon Health & Sciences University, in Oregon, US. Martina has worked on numerous studies about gait impairment – and has also investigated the role wearable devices can play in treatment.

David and Martina discuss what causes gait impairment, share advice on managing these symptoms – and explore how current research is addressing this topic.

This episode was funded by Charco Neurotech, the ­­company behind CUE1 – a wearable medical device designed to help alleviate gait impairment and support movement in people with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s Life magazine is produced by Speak Media on behalf of the European Parkinson’s Disease Association, the leading voice for Parkinson’s in Europe. For the latest research and information on Parkinson’s, visit EPDA.eu.com.

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].

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

This episode explores what it means to take part in Parkinson’s research – from finding out more about clinical trials, to completing surveys about life with the condition.

Our first guest is Amelia Hursey, who lives in London, UK. Amelia recently joined the European Parkinson’s Disease Association – the only European Parkinson’s umbrella organisation – as Research Manager, and is passionate about informing members of the Parkinson’s community how they can learn more about research.

She is joined by Karl Wouters, based in Beerse, Belgium, who has worked in corporate communications and disease management programmes. Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s six years ago, Karl has taken part in clinical trials – and is particularly enthusiastic about the importance of bridging the gap between researchers and patients.

Also joining is Shafaq Ali, a dentist who live in West Yorkshire, UK. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019, she is currently exploring the idea of taking part in research – and is looking for options to get involved that work for her.

Amelia, Karl and Shafaq discuss how people in the Parkinson’s community can find out more, explore some of the different ways of taking part in research – and share why asking questions is key.

This podcast has been supported by a grant from the Boston Scientific Foundation Europe, whose mission is to improve patient wellbeing using digital or innovative solutions.

Parkinson’s Life magazine is produced by Speak Media on behalf of the European Parkinson’s Disease Association, the leading voice for Parkinson’s in Europe. For the latest research and information on Parkinson’s, visit EPDA.eu.com

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].

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

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

An estimated three million women around the world are living with Parkinson’s. But historically, their specific needs and experiences have been neglected – leading to disparities in diagnosis, treatment and medication.

In this episode, Dr Lucía Ferro joins us from Barcelona, Spain. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago, she has since become passionate about raising awareness of the unique challenges that face women with the condition.

Joining her for an open conversation is US-based boxing coach and former engineer Lori DePorter. Referring to her own diagnosis as a “perfect storm of events”, Lori has found ways to help manage Parkinson’s – and its impact on other aspects of her life.

Lucía and Lori discuss their personal experiences – from health and work, to family life – and feeling represented in the community. 

This podcast has been supported by a grant from the Boston Scientific Foundation Europe, whose mission is to improve patient wellbeing using digital or innovative solutions.

Parkinson’s Life magazine is produced by Speak Media on behalf of the European Parkinson’s Disease Association, the leading voice for Parkinson’s in Europe. For the latest research and information on Parkinson’s, visit EPDA.eu.com

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].

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

The more we’ve talked to people living with Parkinson’s, the more we’ve learned about the impact of compulsive and impulsive behaviours. A potential side effect of dopamine agonists (that is, commonly prescribed Parkinson’s medications that mimic dopamine in the brain), these might include compulsive gambling, shopping or hypersexuality.

In this episode, UK-based Vicki Dillon shares her own difficult experience of impulsive behaviours, which saw her personality change while her job, finances, reputation and family life suffered.

She is joined by Dr Angelo Antonini, an academic neurologist from Italy who has around 30 years of experience supporting people with Parkinson’s. He shares his perspective on approaching dopamine agonists – and treating his patients with care and empathy.

In their conversation, Vicki and Angelo discuss the implications of dopamine agonists, how to address compulsive and impulsive behaviours – and why awareness about the issue is key to overcoming stigma and helping people with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s Life magazine is produced by Speak Media on behalf of the European Parkinson’s Disease Association, the leading voice for Parkinson’s in Europe. For the latest research and information on Parkinson’s, visit EPDA.eu.com

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.