The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson's Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Making Strides: Treatments and Technology for Walking Problems in Parkinson's Jul 20, 2022

Show notes

Walking is a complex skill. So, shares Catherine Kopil, PhD, in the third episode of our “Parkinson’s Science POV” podcast series.
Gait requires a symphony of connections between the brain and body, which makes it one of the hardest Parkinson’s symptoms to treat. Kopil, MJFF Senior Vice President of Clinical Research, and Chief Scientific Officer Mark Frasier, PhD, discuss progress toward understanding the neuroscience of gait challenges, such as walking, balancing, shuffling steps and freezing. They talk about treatments in testing and the use of digital technology to measure and predict gait changes in people with PD.
Much of this work is happening in our landmark Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study. Join today at www.michaeljfox.org/podcast-PPMI to contribute to new discoveries and better measures of disease. PPMI especially needs people recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s or with certain risk factors such as smell loss or acting out dreams.
Anyone over the age of 18 in the United States can join through its online platform. Outside the U.S.? View a list of international recruiting sites at www.michaeljfox.org/ppmi-recruiting-sites.
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0

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All Grit. No Quit. is our bold Campaign to raise $2.5 billion by 2028. This is our biggest push yet toward a world without Parkinson's and we need to bring the full force of our community to meet this moment. Whatever brings you here, you can be a part of accelerating what comes next. michaeljfox.org/campaign/all-grit-no-quit

From Low Blood Pressure to Bladder Problems: A Look at Lesser-Known Parkinson’s Symptoms (Webinar) Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

Parkinson’s can affect the automatic and involuntary functions our bodies perform, like heartbeat and digestion. In this episode, experts discuss common but lesser-known Parkinson’s symptoms — including bladder problems, constipation, low blood pressure and sweating — and what you can do to treat them.
Recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You can play a critical role in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study. Connect with the PPMI team at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi-sites
The online part of PPMI is open to anyone over age 18 in the U.S. Join the study that could change everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. apple.co/3p02Jw0

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A Special Conversation in Honor of Father’s Day: Adult Children Reflect on Having a Father with Parkinson’s Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

In honor of Father’s Day, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is sharing a special podcast episode between three adult children who discuss how they each have navigated having a father with Parkinson’s disease.
This Father’s Day and beyond, MJFF celebrates the experiences of patients, loved ones, researchers, advocates and supporters — speeding progress toward a cure. The Foundation’s landmark study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), is enrolling parents, brothers and sisters, and children (over age 60) of people with Parkinson’s. PPMI is open to anyone over age 18 in the U.S. Join the study that could change everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi.
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. apple.co/3p02Jw0

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What's in Your DNA? Understanding Parkinson's Genetics (Webinar) May 25, 2022

Show notes

What is the science behind genetic inheritance that increases the chance of getting Parkinson’s disease (PD) later in life? In this episode, experts explain what genetic mutations are, those that are mostly seen in people with PD and the benefits of genetic testing.
Join the study that could change everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi.
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. apple.co/3p02Jw0

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Your Elected Officials, Your Voice: Coming Together to Speed a Cure May 18, 2022

Show notes

Did you know the government plays an important role in helping find a cure for Parkinson’s, and in caring for those living with the disease? In this episode, Michael J. Fox Foundation policy experts and grassroots advocates discuss the importance of telling your story and building relationships with elected officials who represent you in the halls of power across the United States.
You can help lawmakers understand what matters to people with Parkinson’s. Join our policy network today at michaeljfox.org/advocacy
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. Apple.co/3p02Jw0

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Podcast: New to Parkinson’s? Steps to Take Today (Webinar Replay) Apr 27, 2022

Show notes

Navigating a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be challenging, but you’re not alone. In this episode replay, experts share practical tips for managing the early years of Parkinson’s disease.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you can play a critical role in our landmark Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study. Connect with the study team today at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi-sites.
Anyone over age 18 in the U.S. — with Parkinson’s, at any stage, or without — can join the online part of PPMI. Get started at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi.
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0

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Testing, Testing – How Doctors and Scientists Detect Parkinson’s Apr 13, 2022

Show notes

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed? Tracked? Importantly, predicted? In the second episode of our “Parkinson’s Science POV” podcast series, MJFF Chief Scientific Officers discuss progress toward better tests for Parkinson’s disease, including a recent report of a brain scan of a key Parkinson’s protein. They discuss imaging, fluid measures and wearable devices and how these objective tools could speed new treatments and improve care.
Much of this work and findings stem from our landmark Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study. Join today at https://michaeljfox.org/podcast-PPMI to contribute to new discoveries and better measures of disease. PPMI especially needs people recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s or with certain risk factors such as a relative with the disease, smell loss or acting out dreams. Anyone over the age of 18 in the United States can join through its online platform. Outside the U.S.? View a list of international recruiting sites at https://www.michaeljfox.org/ppmi-recruiting-sites.
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0

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Parkinson’s Disease and Acting Out Your Dreams (Ask the MD Podcast) Mar 30, 2022

Show notes

We all dream when we sleep. Some don’t remember dreams. Others clearly recall what they did, how they felt, and who else was there. Still others unintentionally act out their dreams. They may imagine catching a touchdown pass, running from a wild animal, or fending off an enemy. In this episode, our on-staff movement disorder specialist speaks with a couple about their experience with acting out dreams, called REM sleep behavior disorder.
If you or your bed partner act out your dreams — whether you have Parkinson’s or not — you can play a critical role in research. Join the study that could change everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. apple.co/3p02Jw0

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Parkinson’s Pillow Talk: An Open Conversation on Sex, Sleep and Intimacy Feb 16, 2022

Show notes

Sexual problems are common in people with Parkinson's, but they can be difficult to talk about. In this episode, experts discuss how Parkinson’s and associated symptoms like sleep changes impact relationships and they share strategies for improving physical and emotional intimacy.
A deeper understanding of Parkinson’s disease biology could improve every available treatment. You can help us achieve that. Our landmark Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative is open to anyone over age 18 in the U.S. Join the study that could change everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. apple.co/3p02Jw0

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Diet, Exercise and Other Strategies for Living Well as You Age (Webinar) Feb 02, 2022

Show notes

People with Parkinson's often ask how diet and exercise fit into their overall care plan. In this episode, experts share what you can do today to eat healthier, exercise, boost brain health and live well as you age.
Our landmark Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative is open to anyone over age 18 in the U.S. Join the study that could change everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. apple.co/3p02Jw0

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