The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson's Podcast

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Innovative Fellowship Program is Training Tomorrow's Parkinson's Leaders with Rachel Dolhun May 21, 2024

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Demand for movement disorder specialists continues to grow, but not enough neurologists are receiving focused training in Parkinson’s and related conditions in order to meet the current and projected needs in the U.S. and around the world. In collaboration with longtime partner the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation created the Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders with the goal of growing the global base of movement disorders specialists. In this episode Dr. Rachel Dolhun shares more about this fellowship program, the application process, and how the program supports the training of movement disorders clinician-researchers who will become leaders in Parkinson's care and advance science in the field. Rachel is Senior Vice President of Medical Communications at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Visit michaeljfox.org/funding to learn more about the Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders.

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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

This podcast episode was part of a limited series created by The Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2023 and 2024 for clinicians and researchers in our audience. These episodes provide a deeper dive into exciting new scientific research in Parkinson’s disease, as well as innovative tools and valuable resources, through conversations with a variety of experts in the field. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

What I Wish I Had Known at Diagnosis May 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, hosted by Larry and Rebecca Gifford, members of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Patient Council and their care partners share their honest reactions to their diagnosis — from panic and denial to sadness and loneliness. This group of men and women of different ages and backgrounds offers words of wisdom about what to consider, what they’ve lost and what they’ve gained – and you’ll be surprised to hear how, for some, what they’ve gained is more than what they lost.

Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0   

If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed and you’re wondering where to start, visit https://www.michaeljfox.org/newlydiagnosed to find helpful resources, including an educational guide, support groups and videos.

Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson’s for many years, The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Buddy Network is a free, online platform that helps you find new connections, access educational resources and engage in important dialogue. Join our community today at parkinsonsbuddynetwork.org. 

The Foundation’s landmark study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, also known as PPMI, is recruiting volunteers. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi.

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Real Talk from Women Living with Parkinson’s May 08, 2024

Show notes

In this raw and emotional conversation, four women with Parkinson’s living in four different countries discuss the challenges faced because of delayed diagnosis, hormonal changes, lack of information and treatment, research inequity and gender biases. They share how they live better with the disease by advocating for themselves with their health care team and how they empower other women through awareness and activism.

Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0   

Connect with other women who share your experiences with Parkinson’s. The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Buddy Network is a free, online platform that helps you find new connections, access educational resources and engage in important dialogue. Join our community today at parkinsonsbuddynetwork.org.

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Evidence Linking Parkinson's Disease Risk and Environmental Exposure to Trichloroethylene (TCE) with Sam Goldman May 07, 2024

Show notes

Trichloroethylene (TCE) and related chemicals like perchloroethylene (PCE) have been used widely for a variety of commercial purposes over the past century, and these chemicals are prevalent in the air, water, and soil. Over the past several decades, mounting evidence has been published linking exposure to TCE/PCE with adverse health effects, including cancer and Parkinson's disease. In this episode, Dr. Sam Goldman discusses his research on environmental risk factors for Parkinson’s disease, focusing on recently published studies examining Parkinson's disease risk in Veterans at Camp Lejeune and also a cluster analysis investigating parkinson's disease diagnoses in people who worked near a contaminated site. Sam is a Professor in the Division of Occupational, Environmental, and Climate Medicine and the Departments of Medicine and Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He is also a Principal Investigator in the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

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Let’s Talk Taboos: Hard-To-Discuss Parkinson’s Symptoms (Webinar Audio) Apr 24, 2024

Show notes

Living with Parkinson’s comes with a variety of symptoms, some of which can be unexpected, and frankly, embarrassing. Drooling, bladder issues and sexual dysfunction are hard to talk about, even with loved ones or your doctor – and can affect your self-image, your intimate relationships or the way you move through the world. In audio from this Third Thursdays webinar, listen to our expert panel of people living with Parkinson’s, a care partner and a movement disorder specialist discuss Parkinson’s taboo topics and ways that you can navigate hard conversations and embarrassment.

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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New Advances in Neurosurgical Interventions for Parkinson's Disease with Doris Wang Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

For over a century, different surgical interventions have been explored to address symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and researchers are continuing to innovate and improve surgical treatments today. With new technology and an ever-expanding understanding of the function of the nervous system and the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease, neurosurgical interventions are becoming more effective and more personalized. Dr. Doris Wang joins us in this episode to discuss her work using focused ultrasound and deep brain stimulation (DBS) as treatments for Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. She discusses some of the benefits and limitations of focused ultrasound treatment, comparisons of traditional versus asleep interventional MRI-guided deep brain stimulation surgery, advances in adaptive deep brain stimulation, and the development of gait-related biomarkers that could drive adaptive DBS. Doris is a neurosurgeon and Associate Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

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Accelerating Discovery by Developing and Distributing Research Tools with Nicole Polinski Apr 02, 2024

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The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research established its Research Tools Program to address gaps in the field and common challenges surrounding the development of reagents and models that slowed the initial stages of promising research projects. In collaboration with many partners and stakeholders, the Research Tools Program helps ensure that scientists around the world have access to high-quality reagents, models, and more. These tools have been instrumental in launching novel research projects to better understand Parkinson's disease and to develop promising new treatment strategies. This episode features Dr. Nicole K. Polinski, Director of Research Resources at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. In our conversation, she discusses her role in the organization, the wide variety of tools available through the Research Tools Program, and how academic and industry researchers can share their insights and feedback on current tools and future directions for tool development.

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Everyday Exposures to Parkinson’s: Environmental Connections to the Disease (Webinar Audio) Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

The biology behind what causes Parkinson’s is complex, with only about a quarter of cases with clear genetic drivers. The environment – where you live, the air you breathe, the food you eat, the world around you – plays a key role in PD. Emerging research is showing environmental exposures to things like pesticides and pollution may interact with a person’s genetics and contribute to the disease. And there’s a myriad of other factors still being investigated, from the forces that drive your access to neighborhoods with clean air and water, good doctors and healthy living opportunities to psychosocial factors like stress and discrimination. In audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar, listen to our expert panel discuss the latest research and ways you can get involved to end preventable exposures and advocate for Parkinson’s policy.

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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The Importance of Sex and Gender Factors in Neurodegenerative Disease Research and Care with Antonella Santuccione Chadha Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Increasing evidence supports the presence of sex and gender differences in neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. There is a critical need to more closely examine sex and gender differences in all stages of research, therapeutic development, and clinical treatment to enable better outcomes through precision medicine approaches. This episode focuses on the relevance of sex and gender factors in Parkinson's disease and efforts to transform scientific research, policy, and healthcare to identify and address needs based on sex and gender. Our guest Dr. Antonella Santuccione Chadha discusses her work with the Women’s Brain Project, their recent roundtable on enhancing care in Parkinson’s disease, and the organization's goals for the future. Antonella is a medical doctor with experience spanning positions in clinical care, academic research, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (regulatory), and industry leadership and consultation for large pharmaceutical companies and smaller start-up companies. She is currently Co-Founder and Pro Bono Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Brain Project, an international non-profit organization studying sex and gender determinants to brain and mental health.

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Understanding Genetics, Pathology, and Progression in Parkinson's Disease and Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes with Huw Morris Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes, such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and dementia with Lewy bodies are often initially diagnosed as Parkinson's disease. Incorrect, incomplete, or delayed diagnoses are barriers to beginning the most appropriate treatment early in the disease course. More research is needed to facilitate early diagnoses, understanding of disease pathogenesis, and monitoring of disease progression. However, largescale, collaborative initiatives are making meaningful progress in understanding genetic contributors to disease pathology and progression in Parkinson's disease. Our guest in this episode, Dr. Huw Morris, has spent more than twenty five years researching Parkinson's disease and parkinsonian syndromes, and he shares highlights from recent work, including studies on the genetics and pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and other parkinsonian syndromes. Huw is Professor of Clinical Neuroscience at University College London Institute of Neurology, as well as an Honorary Consultant Neurologist at the Royal Free Hospital and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Queen Square.

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