“What we wanted was for people to come together. If it achieves better awareness and better treatment, then I think we've done our job.” As the Parkinson’s Life podcast marks World Parkinson’s Day 2025, we meet Lizzie Graham, co-founder of Parkinson's Europe and our former Secretary General. Lizzie was one of the key driving forces behind the creation of Parkinson’s Europe, then called the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA), back in the early 1990s. She was also instrumental in laun...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr
What are disease modifying therapies (DMTs) and what impact could they have for people living with Parkinson’s? In this episode, we delve into the evolving world of DMTs, exploring their potential to slow, halt, or even reverse the progression of Parkinson's, and the challenges involved in bringing these therapies to fruition. We hear from Philippe, who shares his personal journey with the condition and his thoughts on what it means to slow its progression. Joining him is Kate Trenam, a Senior D...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr
In this episode, we explore deep brain stimulation (DBS) and the impact it can have on people with Parkinson’s. Gerlach Roomans was diagnosed in 2009 and decided to have a DBS procedure after a discussion with his neurologist. He describes how he felt in the lead up to the operation, the experience of DBS itself, and how it has affected his life since. He is joined by Lucy Partington-Smith, a DBS and advanced therapy nurse specialist in Manchester in the UK. And Veerle Visser-Vandewalle, a neuro...
Dec 03, 2024•26 min
In this episode, we look at the role that technology can play in supporting people with Parkinson’s. UK-based Elaine Payne shares how she uses digital devices to help manage her Parkinson’s symptoms – and why she encourages those with the condition to connect with others in the community. She talks to Dr Alistair Mackett, a consultant geriatrician at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, UK, who sheds light on some of the tools and resources available. Joining them is Lucy Jung, CEO of technology...
Jun 20, 2024•45 min
In this episode, we focus on sialorrhea. Also known as drooling, this is a common symptom experienced by people with Parkinson’s. UK-based David Bateson, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2015, explains how sialorrhea has impacted his speech, working life and interactions with others. He is joined by Dr Francesca Morgante, a neurologist based at St George’s, University of London – who has been working with David for several years. Together, the pair tackle key questions around sialorrhea –...
Feb 21, 2024•32 min
Following our previous episode on what to expect with ‘off’ periods in Parkinson’s, this episode focuses on potential management methods. Canada-based Barbara Salsberg Mathews, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2020, shares her personal strategies for tackling ‘off’ states and the impact these have had. She is joined by Dr Silvia Rota, an Italian neurologist and clinical research fellow who sheds light on various treatments and approaches that may be beneficial. Together, our two guests ex...
Nov 29, 2023•36 min
In this episode we focus on ‘off’ periods – when Parkinson’s medication is not as effective as it should be, and symptoms become more difficult to manage. US-based Bill Bucklew shares how his ‘off’ periods have evolved since he was diagnosed with the condition in 2012, and how they play a role in his daily life. Joining him is Dr Valentina Leta, a neurologist based in Italy who highlights the importance of increasing awareness around this important topic. Together, our guests explore what people...
Nov 23, 2023•33 min
In this episode, we find out what it’s like to manage daily life with an apomorphine pump. Apomorphine is a type of liquid dopamine agonist that is primarily used to treat people living with a more ‘advanced’ stage of Parkinson’s. UK-based Bob Taylor explains how the treatment has helped him adjust to his “rollercoaster” journey with the condition, since he was diagnosed more than two decades ago. Joining him is Liz Taylor, his wife, who has supported him as a caregiver throughout his experience...
Apr 20, 2023•29 min
In this episode, we explore gait impairment – a common symptom of Parkinson’s that can involve slowness, muscle stiffness and freezing – and how it impacts people living with the condition. Our first guest is David Little, who lives in Carlisle, UK. Having previously worked as a firefighter, David was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 2005. David has experienced first-hand the effects of gait impairment in his day-to-day life and says he’s keen to challenge the misconceptions that can surround ...
May 26, 2022•31 min
This episode explores what it means to take part in Parkinson’s research – from finding out more about clinical trials, to completing surveys about life with the condition. Our first guest is Amelia Hursey, who lives in London, UK. Amelia recently joined the European Parkinson’s Disease Association – the only European Parkinson’s umbrella organisation – as Research Manager, and is passionate about informing members of the Parkinson’s community how they can learn more about research. She is joine...
Apr 28, 2022•45 min
This episode delves into the gender gap in Parkinson’s research. It’s estimated that three million women worldwide are living with the condition – but are their specific needs being properly addressed in scientific studies? It’s a topic that is important to our guests, Dr Annelien Oosterbaan – a physician-researcher from the Netherlands – and retired family physician Dr Soania Mathur from Toronto, Canada. Both Annelien and Soania contributed to a recent study exploring gaps in awareness about se...
Apr 14, 2022•33 min
An estimated three million women around the world are living with Parkinson’s. But historically, their specific needs and experiences have been neglected – leading to disparities in diagnosis, treatment and medication. In this episode, Dr Lucía Ferro joins us from Barcelona, Spain. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago, she has since become passionate about raising awareness of the unique challenges that face women with the condition. Joining her for an open conversation is US-based boxing ...
Mar 31, 2022•32 min
The more we’ve talked to people living with Parkinson’s, the more we’ve learned about the impact of compulsive and impulsive behaviours. A potential side effect of dopamine agonists (that is, commonly prescribed Parkinson’s medications that mimic dopamine in the brain), these might include compulsive gambling, shopping or hypersexuality. In this episode, UK-based Vicki Dillon shares her own difficult experience of impulsive behaviours, which saw her personality change while her job, finances, re...
Feb 24, 2022•32 min
In our second episode on deep brain stimulation, two guests discuss what life is like after having DBS surgery – from symptoms and charging the device, to check-ups and body image. Our first guest is Peter Schielzeth, a 58-year-old retired Chief Operating Officer, who now does pro bono work for a start-up. Peter lives in Germany with his husband, as well as his pet dog Basti. Peter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014 – and says that taking the decision to have DBS four years later has had a s...
Jan 27, 2022•28 min
In this episode, two guests discuss everything there is to consider when making the decision about deep brain stimulation, or DBS. Here to tell us all about her experience is Cathy Molohan, an Irish-born Parkinson’s campaigner based in Germany. Diagnosed with the condition in 2012, Cathy underwent DBS surgery nearly two years ago to address issues with tremor. Joining her is neurosurgeon Keyoumars Ashkan from the UK, who is Professor of Neurosurgery at King’s College Hospital in London. With man...
Jan 06, 2022•45 min
Ever since we first started recording the Parkinson’s Life podcast, we’ve been asking our guests the same three questions, designed to get to the heart of what it’s like to live with Parkinson’s. Describe Parkinson's in three words. What gets you through the day? What has Parkinson's given you – and what has it taken away? How would you answer them? In this end of year special, for the first time, we share answers from guests across the series – whose perspectives range from funny to sad to angr...
Dec 15, 2021•26 min
In this episode, we’re investigating what it means to pursue passions while living with the condition. Our first guest is Trevor Woollard, who lives in Buckinghamshire, UK. Trevor was inspired by street art and graffiti he saw in New York to pick up a paintbrush – a pursuit that led him to set up a non-profit called ‘Parkinson’s Art’ to support creative projects from people in the community. He says his own artistic style, and what art means to him, has evolved as the condition has progressed. T...
Dec 02, 2021•32 min
In this episode, four guests join us virtually from around the world to discuss the ways life has changed during the pandemic, how they have managed – and the lessons to be learned from Covid-19. Our first guest is Jens Greve from Germany, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013 – and who, despite the challenges of the pandemic, has found solace in “rediscovering” family time. He is joined by Clare Addison from the UK, who has experienced the pandemic from contrasting angles as a neuroscience...
Nov 18, 2021•48 min
In this episode, we’re looking at the relationship between Parkinson’s and fitness – and how to keep your body moving with the condition. A host of research highlights the importance of physical activity for people living with Parkinson’s. But as time goes on, the condition can create new obstacles for those looking to keep up an exercise regime. So how can people with Parkinson’s stay fit? Our first guest is Mirjam Holzel from the Netherlands, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s seven years ago....
Oct 28, 2021•27 min
In this episode, we’re focusing on Parkinson’s and food. Food is such a huge part of our lives but how does the way you eat affect Parkinson’s – and does Parkinson’s impact the way you eat? Our first guest is Richelle Flanagan, a dietician based in Dublin, Ireland. Richelle, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017, says nutrition is a missing piece of the Parkinson’s puzzle – and believes that most people with the condition don’t know enough about it. She talks to Zarela Martinez, a chef, pod...
Sep 30, 2021•40 min
In this episode, we’re looking at the impact of Parkinson’s on dating, relationships and breakups. Being in a relationship comes with its own challenges, and these can become even harder to navigate when Parkinson’s is thrown into the mix. When do you tell a potential partner about your condition? How do you handle symptoms that make it difficult to communicate, care or be intimate? Why do some relationships work while others fall apart? In this episode, two guests join us to discuss the highs a...
Aug 26, 2021•39 min
In this episode, we’re looking at the relationship between Parkinson’s and loneliness. There are many reasons that people with Parkinson’s might experience feelings of loneliness – these might include isolation because of communication challenges, stigma surrounding symptoms, and difficulties explaining the realities of the condition to anyone who hasn’t experienced it themselves. A lot of this has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic – as social distancing, self-isolation and lockdowns ...
Jul 22, 2021•39 min
In this episode, which has been initiated and funded by Britannia Pharmaceuticals, we’re looking at what it means to reach an advanced stage of the condition. Because Parkinson’s disease is so individualised, its progression is not black and white. The term ‘advanced’ Parkinson’s generally refers to the stage at which symptoms have a bigger impact on day-to-day life. At this stage, medications may not be as effective and people with the condition may begin to rely more on care. Our first guest i...
Jun 17, 2021•39 min
In this episode, we look at the relationship between Parkinson’s and sleep. We speak to Cormac and Mary Mehigan, a couple based in Limerick, Ireland, who’ve been married for nearly 25 years. Cormac was diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years ago but has experienced active dreaming and sleeplessness for around six years. They are joined by Brian Magennis, a Parkinson’s advanced nurse practitioner in Dublin. Brian is one of only four specialist Parkinson’s nurses in the whole of Ireland – and has a c...
May 12, 2021•36 min
What’s the relationship between Parkinson’s and creativity?American film-maker, hip-hop artist and person with Parkinson’s Walter J Archey III and UK composer and musician Amy Mallett join us to discuss the interaction between Parkinson’s and creativity. In a lively and enlightening episode, the two discuss: •How Parkinson’s affects creativity – Walter discusses how the condition affects his ability to rap and Amy explains how singing can help people with Parkinson’s regain control of their voic...
Dec 18, 2019•25 min
How do women experience Parkinson’s differently from men? Join our campaign – #WomenAndParkinsons.Parkinson’s campaigners Omotola Thomas, Sharon Krischer and Mariette Robijn join us for a heartfelt and lively discussion on the particular challenges facing the three million women living with Parkinson’s worldwide.In an enlightening episode the group look at: •The knowledge gap – most Parkinson’s research has been carried out on men. The panellists consider the consequences of this for women livin...
Nov 20, 2019•28 min
How can you speak the same language as your healthcare professional?We bring together Josefa Domingos, a physiotherapist who specialises in Parkinson’s and is based in Lisbon, and her patient of three years, Idelta Oliveira, who was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 60. In an informative and heart-warming conversation, they shed light on:•their strong working relationship, built on trust and good communication•how that communication has been helped by a new free rating scale – the Parki...
Sep 18, 2019•19 min
What’s it like managing your working life with Parkinson’s?We bring together Elisabeth Ildal, a politician from Denmark, and Gary Boyle, a former HR manager from Ireland, both of whom have young onset Parkinson’s. In an honest and thought-provoking discussion, they connect over their experiences of:•feeling too “terrified” to tell employers about their diagnosis – and retreating into the Parkinson’s ‘closet’ •navigating the workplace, including opening up to their bosses and explaining the condi...
Jul 17, 2019•29 min
What’s it like caring for a parent or partner with Parkinson’s?We bring together Ola Larsson from Sweden, whose wife Eleonor has Parkinson’s, and Ivona Cudova from the Czech Republic, who cared for her mother Milada for six years after her diagnosis. In an open and honest conversation, they talk candidly about the highs and lows, broaching topics including: •Seeing the person that they care for – and their relationship with that person – change dramatically •Coping with the “demanding” pressures...
Jun 19, 2019•17 min
What’s it like bringing up children, while also living with Parkinson’s? We bring together Canada-based broadcaster Larry Gifford and American blogger and communications director Allison Toepperwein to discuss family life with the condition.Through open, honest – and sometimes emotional – conversation, they share some of the joys and challenges, including:•Talking with children about Parkinson’s, dealing with symptoms when it comes to playtime – and how their kids react to “the shakes”•Coping as...
May 15, 2019•21 min
