Dr. Patel shares the signs and symptoms to look for when it comes to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson's Dementia and Alzheimers. We originally recorded in 2023 as Ep. 80, remastered in 2026 because it's a topic that has come in up recent conversations with friends in the PD community.

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The Secret Life of Parkinson's podcast is powered by Changing Parkinson's, a non-profit we started to meet PD patients where they are to help live their best life today. Visit www.changingparkinsons.org and sign up for our newsletter!

In this episode, we meet Jason and Angie, a couple navigating Parkinson's together since Jason's diagnosis at age 42. They share how Parkinson's has affected their marriage, the importance of communication and humor, and how they've learned to take life one day at a time. It's an honest conversation about the challenges Parkinson's brings—but also about staying connected, finding hope, and remembering that Parkinson's is only one part of their story.

Chapters:

00:00 Meet Angie & Jason
02:24 Jason's Parkinson's diagnosis
06:48 Finding community and support
08:13 Parkinson's, marriage & intimacy
10:17 Communication and staying connected
17:13 Taking Parkinson's one day at a time
20:01 Advice for newly diagnosed couples
22:22 Choosing hope

In this episode, we explore Parkinson's pathways, a tool designed to help patients navigate clinical trials more easily. Guest Spencer Garrett shares how the platform was built for his father and how it aims to empower the Parkinson's community with accessible, vetted trial information.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parkinson's pathways and guest Spencer Garrett

02:23 How the platform helps patients find relevant trials

05:41 Understanding trial procedures and patient burden

09:05 Features like printable trial summaries and guidance

11:29 Resources for newly diagnosed patients

12:51 The importance of hope and ongoing research

14:48 How the platform is maintained and updated

16:17 The role of research versus clinical trials

17:43 Expanding trial access and symptom-specific alerts

18:40 Closing remarks and encouragement to explore Parkinson's pathways.

This podcast is supported by our non profit, Changing Parkinsons. Please visit www.changingparkinsons.org to donate or sign up for our monthly newsletter!

I did a quick video to highlight the importance of understanding both motor and non-motor aspects of Parkinson's and what DBS covers and doesn't cover.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jessica's Parkinson's journey

01:59 Jessica discusses her medication regimen and motor symptoms

04:04 Limitations of DBS in treating non-motor symptoms

05:53 The emotional and psychological impact of Parkinson's

06:48 The importance of comprehensive treatment approaches

Visit www.changingparkinsons.org to sign up for our monthly newsletter and to learn more about what our non profit has to offer those living with Parkinson's!

This episode explores how improv and creative programs like those at Northwestern and Second City can help individuals with Parkinson's improve their mental agility, social engagement, and quality of life. Doug Blanchard shares his personal journey with Parkinson's and how participating in improv has made a positive impact.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Doug Blanchard and the podcast

02:23 Details of his DBS surgery and ongoing treatment

05:13 The structure and community of the 10-week improv program

07:54 Getting involved and overcoming nerves in improv

10:19 Using improv scenarios to enhance quick thinking

11:18 The fun and social aspect of improv for Parkinson's

12:45 The impact of improv on cognitive and emotional health

13:43 Other exercises and physical activities for Parkinson's

15:10 Potential for local improv initiatives and community outreach

16:09 Closing thoughts: staying active mentally and physically

If you or someone you love has been moved by an episode or touched by our kit or experienced an exercise class, please consider supporting our efforts!! This is hard for me to ask/share, but we are powered and can do more with support and donors, by Changing Parkinsons nonprofit. Visit www.5KforJK.org for our fundraising walk named after me (Jessica Krauser) that is happening on Oct 4, 2026 or visit www.changingparkinsons.org to learn more about our efforts and how you can support us throughout the year! Either way, consider donating to something that has hopefully made a difference in your journey!

In this episode, Dr. Patel is back with us and shares insights on living with Parkinson's, emphasizing the importance of medication adherence, routines, and mental health support for patients and caregivers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Dr. Patel's background

02:09 Initial conversations with newly diagnosed patients

04:01 Importance of medication adherence and timing

06:50 Role of exercise in managing Parkinson's

09:09 Dealing with off periods and early intervention

11:07 Psychological aspects and mental health support

13:01 Impact of routines and lifestyle adjustments

15:48 Supporting caregivers and family dynamics

19:00 Therapy, routines, and mental health strategies

22:06 Travel, vacations, and managing symptoms on the go

23:59 Personality, motivation, and individual differences

25:47 Final advice for newly diagnosed patients

One of the hardest parts of living with Parkinson's is that you don't always notice the changes happening in yourself—but the people around you often do.

In this episode, we talk about why feedback from family, friends, care partners, and even healthcare providers can be one of the most valuable tools for living well with Parkinson's. Brian shares how learning to accept outside observations has helped him recognize subtle changes, adjust medications, improve posture and movement, and stay independent.

We also discuss medication timing, exercise, community support, travel, planning for the future, and why conversations about palliative care and hospice shouldn't be feared—they're about living your best life for as long as possible.

Whether you're living with Parkinson's or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers practical insights into seeing the disease from a different perspective.

00:00 Introduction

00:27 Seeing What Others See

03:13 Everyday Strategies

07:08 Medication & Movement

09:22 Travel Tips

11:43 Independence

13:05 Planning Ahead

15:55 Closing Thoughts

Can what you eat really affect Parkinson's disease?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Laurie Mischley to discuss the latest research on diet, lifestyle, and Parkinson's progression. We explore why nutrition may play a bigger role than many people realize, the evidence behind common dietary recommendations, and how researchers are using new tools—from remote monitoring to innovative technology—to better understand Parkinson's over time.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson's for years, this conversation offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on what you can do beyond medication.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome & Meet Dr. Mischley
02:00 Why Diet Matters in Parkinson's
08:30 New Ways Researchers Are Studying Parkinson's
15:30 Foods That May Influence Progression
22:30 Dairy, Processed Foods & Nutrition
29:00 B Vitamins & Brain Health
34:30 Lifestyle Beyond Medication
39:00 Small Changes That Can Make a Difference

After a Parkinson's diagnosis, something strange happens. Suddenly, your social media feeds, YouTube recommendations, news articles, podcasts, and Facebook groups are filled with Parkinson's. Some of it is incredibly helpful. Some of it is inspiring. And some of it can leave you feeling more overwhelmed than informed.

In this episode, we have an honest conversation about navigating the flood of Parkinson's information in today's digital world. We discuss how social media has transformed the Parkinson's community, the benefits and pitfalls of having endless information at our fingertips, and why it's okay to step back when the noise becomes too much.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson's for years, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to consume everything. Finding a few trusted resources, building real connections, and focusing on what helps you can make all the difference.

Chapters:

00:00 Suddenly, All You See Is Parkinson's

01:20 What We Did After Our Diagnosis

02:18 How the Parkinson's Community Has Changed

03:44 The Problem with Misinformation

05:12 Who (and What) Should You Trust?

07:40 Information Overload Is Real

09:09 Why We Create Content the Way We Do

10:35 The Emotional Journey After Diagnosis

12:24 Advice for Anyone Newly Diagnosed

13:51 Finding Balance in a World of Constant Information

15:12 Final Thoughts & Helpful Resources