In a year of remarkable progress for the Parkinson’s field, we’re entering a new era for better understanding the biology of the disease, with the identification of a breakthrough biomarker accelerating new therapeutics through the clinical pipeline and legislators on Capitol Hill moving toward legislation that unites the federal government on a mission to treat, prevent and cure Parkinson’s disease. What does this progress mean for researchers studying Parkinson’s and for those living with the ...
Nov 29, 2023•57 min
For decades, researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals have continued to study and optimize deep brain stimulation (DBS) with the goal of providing the best possible personalized treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other neurological conditions. In this episode, Dr. Michael Okun joins us to discuss his research and some of the recent advances in deep brain stimulation and other areas. He draws from his extensive research and clinical experience applying DBS and neuromodulation t...
Nov 21, 2023•55 min
In a groundbreaking discovery earlier this year, a global consortium found a new variant in the GBA gene that is associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) for people of African ancestry. The finding marks the first African ancestry-specific genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. In this podcast, researchers share the human stories behind the discovery, which underscores the importance of international collaboration and the participation of underrepresented communities in re...
Nov 15, 2023•43 min
Sleep impacts our lives in many different ways, and Dr. Amy Amara joins us in this episode to discuss her career and findings from her research on sleep in Parkinson’s disease (PD). She shares her insights on the characteristics of sleep in people with Parkinson’s disease, how sleep can be impacted by exercise, medications, and deep brain stimulation, and how studying rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder may be important for developing early treatments before PD motor symptoms manife...
Nov 07, 2023•29 min
People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have lots of questions about probiotics, prebiotics, laxatives and fiber. That’s because constipation and bloating are some of the more bothersome but less talked about symptoms of PD. In this audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar, experts and people with PD discuss effective ways for managing constipation and other gut-related symptoms. You’ll also learn about emerging treatments for constipation, the gut-brain connection and why the gut is linked to Parkin...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr
In this episode, serial entrepreneur Dr. Karoly Nikolich shares his perspectives on the industry side of the state of neuroscience, as well as areas of opportunity and the role of industry in advancing the field. He also discusses recent major breakthroughs, the importance of industry partnerships, including collaborations with The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), and how he is working to advance Parkinson's disease research through his work at Alkahest and other endeavors. Karoly is a scientif...
Oct 17, 2023•43 min
New research advances are expanding our knowledge of Parkinson's disease and bringing us closer to the ultimate goals of new treatments, effective cures, and disease prevention. In this introductory episode, you'll hear from Dr. Brian Fiske and Dr. Mark Frasier, Co-Chief Scientific Officers at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF). During the conversation, they provide their perspectives on the state of the field of Parkinson's disease research, describe new advances in b...
Oct 12, 2023•38 min
Shock, doubt, anxiety — a diagnosis of Parkinson’s can trigger these and many other difficult emotions. This replay of audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar features a conversation among people with Parkinson’s about how they processed the emotional aftermath and navigated the early years following their diagnosis. We also hear from a psychologist who specializes in Parkinson’s about what she’s learned about how people deal with this life-changing diagnosis and ways to manage the emotions in a ...
Sep 27, 2023•59 min
In this replay of audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar, Michael J. Fox Foundation Patient Council member Larry Gifford leads a discussion on common Parkinson’s issues — dyskinesia and "off" time — and how to treat them. Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0 Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing everything. Find out more at michaeljfox.org/...
Aug 23, 2023•59 min
Stem cells have grabbed headlines for decades. Now, at last, they are starting to deliver on their therapeutic promise, with multiple stem cell therapies in clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease. This episode of our award-winning “Parkinson’s Science POV” series brings us up to date on these trials, including how scientists are using stem cells to replace dopamine, the chemical that’s lost in Parkinson's disease. Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the ser...
Aug 16, 2023•39 min
What do you know about gene therapy and its potential for treating Parkinson’s? In this audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar, you’ll learn what exactly gene therapy is and how it works, who gene therapy might work for and the role of genetic testing. You’ll also get a status report on investigations into gene therapy for Parkinson’s. Panelists include experts in the field as well as a person with Parkinson’s and her care partner. Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review an...
Jul 26, 2023•1 hr
How’s this for a dinnertime conversation starter… did you know that what happens in your gut can have an impact on your brain health? Some experts even call the gut “the second brain” because of its huge community of microbes and large nerve network that links the gut to brain disease, like Parkinson’s. Join our panel of experts who cover the latest research on this link between gut and brain health. And tune in as they discuss common gut symptoms of Parkinson’s and what you can do to manage the...
Jul 12, 2023•50 min
Many people with Parkinson’s experience autonomic symptoms, like bladder problems, low blood pressure and constipation that can be hard to talk about. In this audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar replay, experts and patients open a dialogue on these issues and share ways to treat them. Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0 Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the ...
Jun 21, 2023•1 hr 1 min
In the latest installment of our award-winning “Parkinson’s Science POV” series, MJFF’s Maggie Kuhl sits down with Mark Frasier and Brian Fiske, Chief Science Officers at MJFF, in an “Ask MJFF Anything” edition of our podcast. These experts cover a variety of questions from our community about Parkinson’s disease (PD) therapies and treatments, the recent biomarker breakthrough and more. Get answers on topics ranging from how exercise helps improve balance, to what the new biomarker breakthrough ...
Jun 14, 2023•49 min
Have you ever wondered what’s the best exercise for your brain? Listen as our expert panel breaks down approachable tips to add more movement into your day-to-day, Parkinson’s-friendly exercises to try right now and the science behind the benefits of working up a sweat. Join hundreds of Parkinson’s community members June 17 weekend for our annual Virtual Run/Walk. Register and learn more at www.michaeljfox.org/runwalk Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the ...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Faith and science are not often discussed together, but science requires a leap of faith. A few years ago, MJFF staff scientists, Samantha Hutten, PhD and Katie Kopil, PhD never would have guessed that a leap of faith and a cold call to a researcher in Texas would lead to a tool that, for the first time, can detect Parkinson’s in people who have not yet shown symptoms. With the help of the countless community members taking part in the PPMI study, these researchers found a biomarker for Parkinso...
May 24, 2023•32 min
In April, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) announced a major biomarker breakthrough, opening a new chapter for Parkinson’s research — with the promise of better drug development and care for all people and families living with the disease. With the new test, validated by MJFF’s Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), researchers can objectively define and monitor this pathology for the first time in the living body. Experts explain the promise this research holds for all people li...
Apr 26, 2023•59 min
Some people act out their dreams while asleep. They may punch, kick, yell or even fall out of bed. This sleep problem can be linked to Parkinson’s and other brain diseases. In this episode, experts share why sleep issues happen and what you can do to manage them. If you or your bed partner have sleep issues — whether you have Parkinson’s or not — you can play a critical role in research. Join the study that's changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi More about The Michael J. Fox Found...
Mar 22, 2023•52 min
Did you know that RBD – REM sleep behavior disorder, or acting out dreams -- can be an early indicator of Parkinson’s? Many people develop sleep issues as they age — with and without PD. Join host Larry Gifford in a rich discussion with expert Stephen Joza, MD, PhD; Allen Dance, recently diagnosed with RBD; and Richie Rothenberg, patient advisor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), with his care partner Julie Merson, on why sleep is important, strategies to tackle sleep problems and the impo...
Mar 15, 2023•41 min
From freezing to shuffling and everything in between, gait and balance issues can impact people with Parkinson’s at all stages of their journey. In this episode, listen as experts discuss emerging research and tips for people and care partners to improve mobility, prevent falls and maintain independence day to day. The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s landmark research study is focused on learning more about how Parkinson’s starts, changes over time and how to stop it. Study volunteers are urgently n...
Feb 22, 2023•58 min
For many, the word “diet” has negative associations: cutting out the foods you love, not enjoying what you eat or following strict rules about what you can or can’t eat. But diet is a way of life. And you can still boost brain health or manage Parkinson’s with your favorite family recipes, dinner out with friends and even the salty or sweet snacks you crave most. The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Rachel Dolhun, MD, fellowship-trained movement disorder specialist, board-certified neurologist and li...
Feb 08, 2023•1 hr 2 min
What foods are best for you? Whether you have Parkinson’s disease, or are concerned you might develop it, food and nutrition play a critical role in brain health. Our expert panel of Parkinson’s physicians and nutritionists shares effective ways to manage symptoms through nutrition and mobility modifications to make food preparation and eating easier. Learn more about diet and nutrition in our new free guide, available at michaeljfox.org/guides. Our landmark research study, the Parkinson’s Progr...
Jan 25, 2023•1 hr 2 min
There are social, emotional and physical changes you may notice after living with Parkinson’s for some time. In this episode replay, experts discuss tips for managing symptoms, finding support and living well with Parkinson’s disease. 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 y...
Dec 21, 2022•1 hr
Un diagnóstico de Parkinson puede traer muchas emociones diferentes: negación, ira, tristeza, frustración. Es importante saber que no importa qué emociones sientas, no estás solo. Escuche a los expertos, personas con Parkinson y un especialista en trastornos del movimiento, hablar sobre cómo navegar por las emociones y el viaje viviendo con la enfermedad. Este episodio es de nuestro último seminario virtual en español y ofrece reflexiones personales sobre los pasos que las personas y familiares ...
Dec 16, 2022•57 min
The Parkinson’s community often asks, “What new treatments are in the pipeline?” In this episode, experts discuss the latest approaches in treating the spectrum of Parkinson’s, from early diagnosis to advancing disease. They also highlight the latest tools to predict and measure Parkinson’s and critical steps toward prevention. Recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You can play a critical role in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study. Learn more at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ne...
Nov 30, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Many people and families with Parkinson’s wonder if deep brain stimulation (DBS) — a surgical procedure for Parkinson’s — is a possible treatment option for them. In this episode replay, experts discuss who should consider DBS; potential benefits and risks; and the latest advancements in DBS research. 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. Get started at michaeljfox.org/podcast-newl...
Oct 26, 2022•1 hr 1 min
A Parkinson’s diagnosis can bring many different emotions — denial, anger, sadness, frustration. It’s important to know that no matter what emotions you feel, you’re not alone. Listen as people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones discuss how they’ve navigated emotions in the early years with Parkinson’s disease. This podcast episode offers personal reflections on steps people can take toward acceptance and real-world advice for those recently diagnosed and beyond. If you’ve been diagnosed with...
Sep 28, 2022•46 min
Public policy plays an important role in speeding a cure for Parkinson’s. In this episode, experts discuss ways to become a Parkinson’s advocate and how you can reach out to your elected officials to help influence change on behalf of the Parkinson’s community. Experts also highlight the first-ever legislation solely dedicated to ending Parkinson’s disease. Ask your Representative to support The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act at michaeljfox.org/national-plan Recently diagnosed with Parkins...
Aug 31, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Many people with Parkinson’s consider telehealth a useful tool for getting care. But for some, the technology or visit may be tough to navigate. In this episode, experts discuss how to make the most of a virtual visit with a doctor and the impact of telehealth on research and care. 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 PPM...
Jul 27, 2022•1 hr
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....
Jul 20, 2022•27 min
