PD Avengers co-founders Soania Mathur and Larry Gifford discuss the challenges of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), a condition often associated with Parkinson's disease. Larry shares his experience of waking his wife up multiple times due to vivid, disturbing dreams and physical movements during sleep. Despite not having hit anyone yet, he described grabbing things and pulling a lamp toward them, which causes objects to fall. He also mentions how his wife, who sleeps in another room, checks on...
Mar 05, 2025•5 min
The PD Avengers discuss the challenges of balancing life with Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the impact of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) on daily routines. Both Tim Hague and Larry Gifford highlighted the necessity of daily naps and improved sleep post-DBS, though daytime sleepiness persisted. They shared personal strategies like improv for maintaining positivity and energy. Traveling with DBS was noted as challenging, with issues like being patted down at airports. They promoted the PD Avenger...
Feb 05, 2025•13 min
PD Avengers co-founders Larry Gifford, Soania Mathur, and Tim Hague Sr. discussed various topics related to Parkinson's disease, including recent news and advancements in Deep Brain Stimulation therapy. They also shared personal experiences and lessons learned since being diagnosed with Parkinson's, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, mindfulness, and finding positivity in the face of adversity. The conversation ended with a focus on what they've learned about themselves since their dia...
Jan 28, 2025•9 min
In the PD Avengers Weekly Chat titled "3 Things to Make 2025 Great!", co-founders Larry Gifford, Soania Mathur, and Tim Hague discuss three key actions to enhance the well-being of individuals with Parkinson's disease in the coming year: Engage in Regular Exercise: Tim emphasizes the importance of consistent physical activity, citing research that shows 30 minutes of intense exercise, five days a week, can slow the progression of Parkinson's. He shares his personal routine at U-Turn Parkinson's,...
Jan 24, 2025•7 min
Supported by Abbott. Podcast Summary: Overview of DBS for Parkinson's Disease In this episode, we discuss Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a therapy used for over 20 years to manage Parkinson's symptoms when medications aren't enough. DBS involves surgically implanting electrodes in the brain, connected to a battery pack in the chest, to improve motor symptoms and normalize brain activity. Patient Stories: Ed McQuaid, diagnosed in 2018, had DBS in 2023. He went from taking 8-10 pills daily to none,...
Sep 27, 2024•58 min•Season 7Ep. 1
In this bittersweet finale of "When Life Gives You Parkinson's," we reflect on the incredible journey we've shared over 124 episodes. From the very first episode to this one, we've laughed, cried, and learned together. Countless guests have graced our show, sharing their stories, insights, and expertise, making each episode a treasure trove of knowledge and connection. Hosts Larry and Rebecca take a moment to express gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the success of the podcast. Whethe...
Mar 20, 2024•11 min
In the latest episode of "When Life Gives You Parkinson’s," Larry Gifford shares insights into his Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) journey alongside his partner, Rebecca Gifford. Larry expresses excitement about the positive impact of DBS on his symptoms, noting improvements in walking, voice, and overall confidence. He recommends Dr. Jon Stamford’s new DBS DIARY for a comprehensive view of the DBS dilemma. The episode features an interview with Brian Pepin, CEO of Rune Labs, the technological inte...
Jan 23, 2024•33 min•Season 6Ep. 8
In this episode of "When Life Gives You Parkinson’s," Larry and Rebecca dive into Larry's recent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. It's the culmination of their DBS series, showcasing moments before and after the procedure. (Episode six of our 2023 DBS series) Larry shares his experiences, from the anticipation of the surgery to post-surgery reflections. He describes the fears he had about the head frame and the surgical process itself, emphasizing the involvement of Nurse Nancy and Dr. Hone...
Nov 22, 2023•39 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Season 6, Episode 6 SHOW NOTES Oct 17, 2023 TITLE: DBS Pre-Op Talks: Love and Transition Podcast Notes: In the latest episode of the When Life Gives You Parkinson's podcast, hosts Larry and Rebecca Gifford discuss the upcoming Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. The surgery is scheduled for October 24th, 2023, at UBC Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Larry and Rebecca take the audience through their preparations, discussions, and feelings as the surgery date approaches. They tou...
Oct 18, 2023•31 min•Season 6Ep. 6
In this episode, Larry and his partner, Rebecca, discuss what to expect right before, during, and after DBS surgery. The surgery is scheduled for October 24th, 2023, and this episode was recorded about two weeks before the surgery. The episode covers the pre-surgery preparations, including the need to stop medication before the surgery, and an informative description of the MRI process. Nurse Nancy, who works at British Columbia's DBS clinic, provides insights into the surgery day, which involve...
Oct 11, 2023•32 min•Season 6Ep. 5
In this episode of "When Life Gives You Parkinson's," Larry Gifford and Rebecca Gifford delve into the world of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), continuing their 2023 series on this treatment option. While sharing their optimism about Larry's upcoming DBS surgery, they also address the importance of discussing the risks associated with it. They present real stories from individuals who've undergone DBS, shedding light on the complexities and varied experiences associated with this treatment. Kim Co...
Oct 04, 2023•30 min•Season 6Ep. 4
In this episode of "When Life Gives You Parkinson's," Larry and Rebecca dive into Larry's upcoming Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. They introduce Dr. Chris Honey, the neurosurgeon who will perform the procedure the brain surgeon. Dr. Honey breaks down what to expect and the possible risks of DBS, stressing the importance of picking the right surgeon and keeping a positive mindset. After the surgery, the plan is to use the DBS device to replicate Larry's best moments on medication, with the...
Sep 20, 2023•23 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Hosts Larry and Rebecca Gifford are preparing for Larry's DBS surgery scheduled for October 24, 2023. During the evaluation for DBS surgery. Larry needed to completely go off meds for at least 12 hours. The medical team tests motor symptoms while OFF levodopa and then after taking a dosage and waiting forty minutes repeat the tests. Evaluators were looking for a 40% or more difference in my motor symptoms from OFF to ON. It was truly revelatory to see just how much levodopa, the medication commo...
Sep 08, 2023•24 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Donate to the World Parkinson Coalition to support this and future World Parkinson Congresses. World Parkinson Congress 2023 (WPC2023) was a true testament to unity and shared vision. It saw the participation of more than 2,600 people, drawn from 73 countries, all converging under one roof with one common objective: unraveling the mysteries of Parkinson's. This assembly comprised nearly a thousand medical doctors and researchers, 450 registered nurses, therapists, and other clinicians, 685 brave...
Aug 04, 2023•50 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Larry & Rebecca Gifford dive into the growing interest and research being conducted around red light and infrared light laser therapy for Parkinson’s disease. In Hamilton, Ontario PD Avenger and care partner Lorna Dueck, a retired radio and TV host, visits Gaitway Physical Therapy. She interviews physiotherapist Orla Hares and research assistant Jenna Sykes. Intrigued, Larry tracks down the CEO of Symbyx Biome, Dr. Wayne Markman of Australia, to discuss the handheld laser being used on the g...
May 31, 2023•44 min•Season 5Ep. 14
The banner headline on the homepage of the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s website reads “Breaking News: Parkinson’s Disease Biomarker Found.” It sounds exciting, but what does it really mean? Debi Brooks, CEO and cofounder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, joins Larry Gifford for a chat about what she says is the most important finding the Foundation has discovered in its history. It is already changing the way researchers recruit for some studies. It will lead to faster diagnosis, more customized ...
Apr 19, 2023•33 min•Season 5Ep. 13
Trichloroethylene (TCE). You cannot see it or smell it. It could be in the air you breath, the water you drink, and the food you eat. It is a carcinogen and is linked to clusters of cancer and Parkinson’s. In Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, Dr. Ray Dorsey at the University of Rochester and eleven colleagues have published a research article asking the question “Is Trichlorethylene an invisible cause of Parkinson’s?” The authors go on to make a convincing case. Dr. Dorsey joins the podcast to exp...
Mar 29, 2023•45 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Lithium is more than a drug, it’s the third element on the Periodic Table of Elements. Symbol is LI. It’s lightest metal known to mankind. Lithium-ion batters are used in electric cars. Lithium is also present in vaping devices, many personal electronics such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops, E-Bikes, electric toothbrushes, tools, hoverboards, scooters, and for solar power backup storage. Its origins can be traced back to the Big Bang. For 70 years it’s successfully been used to treat bi-pol...
Feb 01, 2023•52 min•Season 5Ep. 11
January 17 marks the 81st anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest Parkinson’s advocates of all time, Muhammad Ali. In this episode, we learn more about the champ’s journey from his eldest daughter Maryum “May May” Ali – the stigma her father dealt with after his diagnosis, when she first noticed changes in her dad, struggles with speaking and medication, and how he improved his quality of life. In addition to exploring Ali’s Parkinson’s legacy, Dr. Michael S. Okun, the head of neurology ...
Jan 31, 2023•38 min•Season 5Ep. 10
One of the dark symptoms of Parkinson’s is apathy. Describing apathy is a bit like describing what it feels like when a dementor in the Harry Potter books kisses a character – the ability to drain happiness and hope from its victims. When a person with Parkinson’s spirals into a an apathetic state they lack motivation and lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. To experience apathy is like being in a bubble of indifference. You stop caring about yourself or other people in your life with...
Nov 23, 2022•52 min•Season 5Ep. 9
When John O’Leary was a nine-year-old boy, he was burned on 100% of his body. He was in his garage playing with matches and gasoline—just like he’d had seen the older boys on his block do. A fire exploded, consuming the garage, sending him flying back against the wall and turning his whole world upside down. He talks with Larry & Rebecca about how he was given 1% chance to live. Now, 36-years later, John is living an inspired life. He has two national best-selling books “On Fire” and “In Awe...
Nov 02, 2022•57 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Kat Hill and Nancy Peate are the authors of Being Well with a Chronic Illness: A Guide to Joy and Resilience with Your Diagnosis. In their book they offer wisdom, language, research-supported guidance and personal stories to help people with Parkinson’s and other chronic conditions navigate their wellness journey. In this episode, Rebecca talks with the authors — who also happen to be good friends — about their own experiences with Parkinson’s and how they have cultivated tools to find joy and r...
Oct 19, 2022•48 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Geoff Constable is a PD Avenger and an Ambassador for the World Parkinson Congress 2023 in Barcelona. We met at the last WPC2019 in Kyoto. Like many of us with YOPD, Geoff’s diagnosis was delayed six years as doctors tried to figure out root issue of his symptoms. In 2008, at the age of 50, he finally was able to put a name to the issues he had, Parkinson’s disease. Geoff spent his teen years sleeping on friends couches and sometimes living on the street. He earned a degree in Naval Architecture...
Oct 12, 2022•51 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Updates on several stories we’ve shared on the podcast. Reactions to the three-minute test to diagnose Parkinson’s. The final 30km on a cross-country bike tour for Parkinson’s leaves bikers spinning their wheels. * We catch up with the Rigid Riders. Plus, Ozzy Osbourne on stage for the first time since his Parkinson’s diagnosis. *Don’t forget to push the donut button. EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: [email protected] Have questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here ...
Sep 22, 2022•40 min•Season 5Ep. 5
This is a breakthrough, breaking news episode featuring Professor Perdita Barran, University of Manchester and Joy Milne, the woman who can smell Parkinson’s. Today. their latest research paper was published at 12:01am (BST) September 7, 2022. This research has led to a three-minute non-invasive test to determine a positive or negative Parkinson’s diagnosis. Clinical Research will begin within two years at University of Manchester and has the potential to be approved as a diagnostic tool for neu...
Sep 07, 2022•32 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Dave Iverson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2004. He is a founding member of The Michael J Fox Foundation (MJFF) Patient Council and was the first host of the MJFF Parkinson’s Podcast. We caught up at a patient council meeting in New York City to chat about his new book “Winter Stars.” Parkinson’s runs deep in Dave’s family, but this book is not strictly about Parkinson’s. It’s about family, life choices and a bone between a mother and son. At the age of 59, having spent nearly forty years in...
Aug 24, 2022•33 min•Season 5Ep. 3
SUMMARY: In the book, “Mary & Me,” author Robyn Cotton draws upon her own experiences with Parkinson’s in a fictional novel based in contemporary times and early 1800’s London, England when Dr. James Parkinson was roaming the streets and noticing a condition, he called shaky palsy. Not often does Parkinson’s play such a key role in a fictional piece of work, Robyn’s journey grounds the book in near-real experiences as she and her characters struggle with the degenerative brain disease. EMAIL...
Aug 10, 2022•40 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Larry & Rebecca Gifford highlight two Canadians with Parkinson’s who are sparking awareness, raising money and building community by riding their bicycles across every Canadian Province over the next three months. Jim Redmond and Steve Iseman take a break from pedaling to sit down with Larry at picnic table outside their RV on Day two of the journey when they stopped at the Capilano River RV Park in West Vancouver. Thank you for listening. Add your voice to the show and leave a message for u...
Jul 20, 2022•49 min•Season 5Ep. 1
This is part one of three of a mini-series of episodes we are calling “Down Under.” Host Larry Gifford gets you ready for World Parkinson’s Day. Learn about the new international symbol for Parkinson’s disease named “THE SPARK” and how you can use it. Where to watch the world premiere of the new documentary “The Long Road to Hope: Ending Parkinson’s Disease.” The Parkinson Unity Walk in Central Park in New York City is going to take place April 23. IF you can’t make it, you can still participate...
Apr 08, 2022•32 min•Season 4Ep. 7
This is the final instalment of our three episode mini-series we are calling “The Talk.” Hosts Larry and Rebecca Gifford talk about how Parkinson’s can send them into a hopeless spiral – at times it feeling as if they aren’t both committed to the marriage. And then there are times when Parkinson’s brings them closer together than ever. A difficult, intimate, deeply personal conversation about keeping connected and the importance of communication for people with Parkinson’s and care partners. Thi...
Feb 16, 2022•35 min•Season 4Ep. 6
