Larry &amp; 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 gut and vagus nerve and the infrared helmet – both designed to reactivate the mitochondria inside the dopamine cells. and learns more about the research, science and tradition of therapy of light which dates back to Florence Nightingale in the 1850s.KEY LINKSSymbyx Biome https://symbyxbiome.com/en-caCEO Wayne Markman featured in Forbes Australia·        Find out how this Australian med-tech company is tackling Parkinson’s disease Gaitway Physical Therapy https://gaitwayneurophysio.com/research/Lorna Dueck https://lornadueckcreative.com/·        Context Beyond the Headlines: Lorna Dueck’s journey through Parkinson’s with her beloved Vern. Her final appearance as host of the TV Show featuring PD Avengers founders Soania Mathur, Tim Hague Sr, and Larry Gifford.APDA Light Therapy for Parkinson’s DiseaseMAIL Larry and Rebecca: ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.caHave questions, comments, or a story idea?We would love you to click here and leave a messagehttps://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsonsFollow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: @ParkinsonsPodFacebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPodInstagram: @parkinsonspodThanks to CuriouscastDila Velazquez – Story ProducerGreg Schott – Sound DesignOur Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s landmark study Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)   PD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us. World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.  

Larry &amp; 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 gut and vagus nerve and the infrared helmet – both designed to reactivate the mitochondria inside the dopamine cells. and learns more about the research, science and tradition of therapy of light which dates back to Florence Nightingale in the 1850s.KEY LINKSSymbyx Biome <a href="https://symbyxbiome.com/en-ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://symbyxbiome.com/en-ca</a><h3>CEO Wayne Markman featured in Forbes Australia</h3><h3>·        <a href="https://www.forbes.com.au/news/innovation/underestimated-and-underdiagnosed-meet-the-australian-medical-technology-company-tackling-parkinsons-disease/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Find out how this Australian med-tech company is tackling Parkinson’s disease</a> </h3>Gaitway Physical Therapy <a href="https://gaitwayneurophysio.com/research/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://gaitwayneurophysio.com/research/</a>Lorna Dueck <a href="https://lornadueckcreative.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://lornadueckcreative.com/</a>·        <a href="https://corusent-my.sharepoint.com/personal/larry_gifford_corusent_com/Documents/Parkinsons/Parkinsons%20Podcast/Season%205/Ep%2014%20-%20Infared%20Light%20Therapy/%E2%80%A2%09https:/contextbeyondtheheadlines.com/lorna-duecks-journey-through-parkinsons-with-her-beloved-vern/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Context Beyond the Headlines:</a> Lorna Dueck’s journey through Parkinson’s with her beloved Vern. Her final appearance as host of the TV Show featuring PD Avengers founders Soania Mathur, Tim Hague Sr, and Larry Gifford.<a href="https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/light-therapy-for-parkinsons-disease/#:~:text=Light%20therapy%2C%20or%20the%20use,of%20light%20and%20delivery%20systems." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">APDA Light Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease</a>MAIL Larry and Rebecca: <a href="mailto:ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca">ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca</a>Have questions, comments, or a story idea?We would love you to click here and leave a message<a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a>Follow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a>Thanks to CuriouscastDila Velazquez – Story ProducerGreg Schott – Sound DesignOur Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a>, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a>.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s landmark study <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/ppmi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative</a> (PPMI)   <a href="http://www.pdavengers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PD Avengers</a> – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. <a href="https://www.pdavengers.com/become-a-pd-avenger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join us</a>. <a href="http://www.wpc2023.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress 2023</a> – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

Harnessing the Healing Power of Infrared Light

Michael J Fox

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 and personalized treatment, faster, cheaper, more targeted pharmaceuticals, and ultimately it is another step closer to stopping Parkinson's in its tracks. Important LinksThe Lancet Neurology Article The Michael J. Fox Foundation Coverage of the BiomarkerPPMI: The Study That's Changing EverythingSTAT Article featuring Michael J. Fox's reactionMichael J. Fox Op-Ed for STATThe Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada... where people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything they do. Parkinson Canada funds critical research, provides information and support, increases awareness and advocates for improved healthcare outcomes for people with Parkinson's across Canada. Learn more at Parkinson.caThank you to our promotional partnersSpotlight YOPDPD AvengersWorld Parkinson Congress 2023 in Barcelona

The banner headline on the homepage of the <a href="www.michaeljfox.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael J. Fox Foundation’s</a> 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 and personalized treatment, faster, cheaper, more targeted pharmaceuticals, and ultimately it is another step closer to stopping Parkinson's in its tracks. Important Links<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(23)00109-6/fulltext" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Lancet Neurology Article </a><a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/breaking-news-parkinsons-disease-biomarker-found" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Michael J. Fox Foundation Coverage of the Biomarker</a><a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/ppmi?mjff=pn-a1b1R00000AlQ1k&amp;pn_cid=pn-a1b1R00000AlQ1k" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PPMI: The Study That's Changing Everything</a><a href="https://www.statnews.com/2023/04/12/michael-j-fox-parkinsons-biomarker/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">STAT Article featuring Michael J. Fox's reaction</a><a href="https://www.statnews.com/2023/04/12/parkinsons-biomarkers-michael-j-fox-foundation/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael J. Fox Op-Ed for STAT</a>The Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada... where people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything they do. Parkinson Canada funds critical research, provides information and support, increases awareness and advocates for improved healthcare outcomes for people with Parkinson's across Canada. Learn more at <a href="www.Parkinson.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson.ca</a>Thank you to our promotional partners<a href="www.spotlightyopd.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a><a href="www.PDAvengers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PD Avengers</a><a href="www.wpc2023.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress 2023 in Barcelona</a>

Biomarker Breakthrough w/ Debi Brooks CEO of The Michael J Fox Foundation

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 explain the dangers of TCE, how it seeps into ground water, your home, schools, and office buildings, how to protect yourself, and where you can look to see if a TCE Superfund site is near where you live. KEY LINKSBOOK: ENDING PARKINSON’S DISEASE; A PRESCRIPTION FOR ACTIONJOURNAL OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE (SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL) Trichloroethylene: An Invisible Cause of Parkinson’s Disease?THE GUARDIAN (UK)Rates of Parkinson’s disease are exploding. A common chemical may be to blame (TCE)Secret files suggest chemical giant feared weedkiller’s link to Parkinson’s disease (Paraquat)NEW YORK NEWSDAY (NY/USA)A NEWSDAY INVESTIGATION: The Grumman Plume; Decades of DeceitCBS MORNING (USA)Service members and families affected by toxic water at Camp Lejeune Marine base still seeking justice decades laterLOS ANGELES TIMES (CA/USA)Is a common industrial chemical fueling the spread of Parkinson’s disease?THE TORONTO STAR (ON/CAN)Dry cleaning chemical linked to Parkinson’s in international study (2011/Canada)DAYTON DAILY NEWS (OH/USA)VOICES: How toxic industrial spills have contaminated our groundwaterEPA FACT SHEET | TRICHLOROETHYLENE EPA SUPERFUND HOME PAGE  WIKIPEDIACANADIAN FEDERAL CONTAMINATED SITES INVENTORY (FCSI) CONTAMINATED SITES HOMEPAGEMuch gratitude for your contentA Civil Action: Touchstone Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Wildwood Enterprises, Inc SaferChemicals on YouTube WATCH “TOXIC CHEMICAL LOBBY: EXCLUSIVE LEAKED FOOTAGE”EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.caHave questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsonsFollow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: @ParkinsonsPodFacebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPodInstagram: @parkinsonspodThanks to CuriouscastDila Velazquez – Story ProducerGreg Schott – Sound DesignOur Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s landmark study Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)  PD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us. World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 

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 “<a href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-parkinsons-disease/jpd225047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Is Trichlorethylene an invisible cause of Parkinson’s?</a>” The authors go on to make a convincing case.Dr. Dorsey joins the podcast to explain the dangers of TCE, how it seeps into ground water, your home, schools, and office buildings, how to protect yourself, and where you can look to see if a TCE Superfund site is near where you live. KEY LINKSBOOK: <a href="http://www.endingpd.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ENDING PARKINSON’S DISEASE; A PRESCRIPTION FOR ACTION</a>JOURNAL OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE (SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL) <a href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-parkinsons-disease/jpd225047" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trichloroethylene: An Invisible Cause of Parkinson’s Disease?</a>THE GUARDIAN (UK)<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/07/rates-of-parkinsons-disease-are-exploding-a-common-chemical-may-be-to-blame" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rates of Parkinson’s disease are exploding. A common chemical may be to blame</a> (TCE)<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/oct/20/syngenta-weedkiller-pesticide-parkinsons-disease-paraquat-documents" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Secret files suggest chemical giant feared weedkiller’s link to Parkinson’s disease</a> (Paraquat)NEW YORK NEWSDAY (NY/USA)<a href="https://projects.newsday.com/long-island/plume-grumman-navy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A NEWSDAY INVESTIGATION:</a> <a href="https://projects.newsday.com/long-island/plume-grumman-navy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Grumman Plume; Decades of Deceit</a>CBS MORNING (USA)<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/toxic-water-marine-base-service-members-families-justice" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Service members and families affected by toxic water at Camp Lejeune Marine base still seeking justice decades later</a>LOS ANGELES TIMES (CA/USA)<a href="https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-03-15/industrial-chemical-may-be-linked-to-parkinsons-disease" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Is a common industrial chemical fueling the spread of Parkinson’s disease?</a>THE TORONTO STAR (ON/CAN)<a href="https://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/2011/11/16/dry_cleaning_chemical_linked_to_parkinsons_in_international_study.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dry cleaning chemical linked to Parkinson’s in international study</a> (2011/Canada)DAYTON DAILY NEWS (OH/USA)<a href="https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/voices-how-toxic-industrial-spills-have-contaminated-our-groundwater/NUIMSH4YIVFK7KBFGA2XAY7NIM/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">VOICES: How toxic industrial spills have contaminated our groundwater</a>EPA FACT SHEET | <a href="https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/fact-sheet-trichloroethylene-fact-sheet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TRICHLOROETHYLENE</a> <a href="https://www.epa.gov/superfund" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EPA SUPERFUND HOME PAGE</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Superfund_sites" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WIKIPEDIA</a>CANADIAN <a href="https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/fcsi-rscf/home-accueil-eng.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FEDERAL CONTAMINATED SITES INVENTORY (FCSI)</a> <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/pollution-waste-management/contaminated-sites.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CONTAMINATED SITES HOMEPAGE</a> Much gratitude for your contentA Civil Action: Touchstone Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Wildwood Enterprises, Inc SaferChemicals on YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q75F_hjg7o&amp;t=1s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WATCH “TOXIC CHEMICAL LOBBY: EXCLUSIVE LEAKED FOOTAGE”</a> EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: <a href="mailto:ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca">ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca</a>Have questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a>Follow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a>Thanks to CuriouscastDila Velazquez – Story ProducerGreg Schott – Sound Design Our Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a>, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a>.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s landmark study <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/ppmi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative</a> (PPMI)  <a href="http://www.pdavengers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PD Avengers</a> – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. <a href="https://www.pdavengers.com/become-a-pd-avenger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join us</a>. <a href="http://www.wpc2023.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress 2023</a> – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

Is Trichloroethylene an invisible cause of Parkinson’s?

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-polar disease. Now there’s hope it could be game changing for Parkinson’s disease. Tom Guttuso Jr., MD is a professor of Neurology at the University of Buffalo and Co Director of the Movement Disorder. His new book, titled the Promise of Lithium: How an Over-The-Counter Supplement May Prevent and Slow Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.” Dr. Guttuso joins the pod to discuss the potential of Lithium and stopping Parkinson’s. Much Gratitude for your music:Nirvana LithiumEvanescence LithiumPink We’ve Got Scurvy from the album Sponge Bob’s Greatest HitsThe Steve Miller Band Fly Like an EagleEMAIL Larry and Rebecca: ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.caHave questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsonsFollow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: @ParkinsonsPodFacebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPodInstagram: @parkinsonspodKEY LINKS BOOK: The Promise of Lithium: How an Over-the-Counter Supplement May Prevent and Slow Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseaseThanks to CuriouscastDila Velazquez – Story ProducerOur Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s IQ + You EventsPD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us. World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 

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-polar disease. Now there’s hope it could be game changing for Parkinson’s disease. Tom Guttuso Jr., MD is a professor of Neurology at the University of Buffalo and Co Director of the Movement Disorder. His new book, titled the Promise of Lithium: How an Over-The-Counter Supplement May Prevent and Slow Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.” Dr. Guttuso joins the pod to discuss the potential of Lithium and stopping Parkinson’s.  Much Gratitude for your music:Nirvana LithiumEvanescence LithiumPink We’ve Got Scurvy from the album Sponge Bob’s Greatest HitsThe Steve Miller Band Fly Like an Eagle EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: <a href="mailto:ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca">ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca</a>Have questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a>Follow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a>KEY LINKS BOOK: <a href="https://www.promiseoflithium.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Promise of Lithium: How an Over-the-Counter Supplement May Prevent and Slow Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease</a> Thanks to CuriouscastDila Velazquez – Story Producer Our Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a>, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a>. Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s <a href="http://www.michaeljfox.org/pdiq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s IQ + You Events</a><a href="http://www.pdavengers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PD Avengers</a> – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. <a href="https://www.pdavengers.com/become-a-pd-avenger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join us</a>. <a href="http://www.wpc2023.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress 2023</a> – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

The Promise of Lithium as a Parkinson’s Disease Modifying Treatment

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 for the University of Florida Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, sheds light on Ali’s PD diagnosis. Okun and two other neurologists, the final three neurologists to treat Ali over the course of many years, published an article in October 2022 to clear up misinformation about his diagnosis. Ali was a young onset Parkinson’s disease patient that responds to Levodopa which is different if his Parkinson’s onset due to his boxing career and punches to the head.  EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.caHave questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsonsFollow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: @ParkinsonsPodFacebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPodInstagram: @parkinsonspodKEY LINKS Maryum “May May” Ali - websiteRESOURCESMuhammad Ali and Young-Onset Idiopathic Parkinson Disease—The Missing EvidenceThanks to CuriouscastDila Velazquez – Story ProducerOur Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s IQ + You EventsPD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us. World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 

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 for the University of Florida Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, sheds light on Ali’s PD diagnosis. Okun and two other neurologists, the final three neurologists to treat Ali over the course of many years, published an article in October 2022 to clear up misinformation about his diagnosis. Ali was a young onset Parkinson’s disease patient that responds to Levodopa which is different if his Parkinson’s onset due to his boxing career and punches to the head.  EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: <a href="mailto:ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca">ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca</a>Have questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a>Follow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a>KEY LINKS Maryum “May May” Ali - <a href="http://www.maryumali.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>RESOURCES<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2797272?resultClick=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muhammad Ali and Young-Onset Idiopathic Parkinson Disease—The Missing Evidence</a> Thanks to CuriouscastDila Velazquez – Story Producer Our Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a>, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a>. Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s <a href="http://www.michaeljfox.org/pdiq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s IQ + You Events</a><a href="http://www.pdavengers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PD Avengers</a> – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. <a href="https://www.pdavengers.com/become-a-pd-avenger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join us</a>. <a href="http://www.wpc2023.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress 2023</a> – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

Muhammad Ali’s Parkinson’s Journey w/ May May Ali and Michael S. Okun, MD

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 a total void of emotion.In this episode we hear firsthand from Jeff and Kristin Krantz what it’s like as a person with Parkinson’s living in a apathetic state and how it impacts the care partner and others in the family. Dr. Bradley McDaniel offers advice on how to escape apathy through pursuit of your meaning in life. EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.caHave questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsonsFollow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: @ParkinsonsPodFacebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPodInstagram: @parkinsonspodKEY LINKS Dr. Bradley McDaniels https://hps.unt.edu/bradley-mcdaniels-phd-crc Resources MentionedEnding Parkinson’s Disease book by Ray Dorsey MD, Michael Okun MD, Todd Sherer PhD and Bas Bloem MD, PhDMan's Search for Meaning by Victor FranklThe Spirituality of Imperfection Storytelling and the Search for Meaning by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketchum Jeff &amp; Kristen KrantzThanks to CuriouscastDila Velazquez – Story ProducerOur Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s IQ + You EventsPD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us. World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 

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 a total void of emotion.In this episode we hear firsthand from Jeff and Kristin Krantz what it’s like as a person with Parkinson’s living in a apathetic state and how it impacts the care partner and others in the family. Dr. Bradley McDaniel offers advice on how to escape apathy through pursuit of your meaning in life.  EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: <a href="mailto:ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca">ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca</a>Have questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a>Follow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> KEY LINKS Dr. Bradley McDaniels <a href="https://hps.unt.edu/bradley-mcdaniels-phd-crc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://hps.unt.edu/bradley-mcdaniels-phd-crc</a> Resources Mentioned<a href="https://endingpd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ending Parkinson’s Disease book</a> by Ray Dorsey MD, Michael Okun MD, Todd Sherer PhD and Bas Bloem MD, PhD<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZOLUFWQF5SXS&amp;keywords=Victor+Frankl&amp;qid=1669155093&amp;sprefix=victor+frankl,aps,127&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Man's Search for Meaning</a> by Victor Frankl<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spirituality-Imperfection-Storytelling-Search-Meaning/dp/0553371320/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+spirituality+of+imperfection&amp;qid=1669155273&amp;sprefix=The+Spirituality+of+Im,aps,128&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Spirituality of Imperfection Storytelling and the Search for Meaning</a> by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketchum <a href="https://www.keepkrantzing.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeff &amp; Kristen Krantz</a>Thanks to CuriouscastDila Velazquez – Story Producer Our Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a>, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a>. Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s <a href="http://www.michaeljfox.org/pdiq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s IQ + You Events</a><a href="http://www.pdavengers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PD Avengers</a> – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. <a href="https://www.pdavengers.com/become-a-pd-avenger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join us</a>. <a href="http://www.wpc2023.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress 2023</a> – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

I Don’t Care Just Call It Apathy

John O'Leary

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 &amp; 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.” he’s a podcast host, an in-demand international speaker and is someone who intimately understands the impact that Parkinson’s can have on a family.Email Larry and Rebecca: ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.caHave questions, comments, or a story idea?We would love you to click here and leave a messagehttps://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsonsFollow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: @ParkinsonsPodFacebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPodInstagram: @parkinsonspodKEY LINKS John O’Leary Website www.JohnOLearyInspires.comLive Inspired Podcast https://johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/·        Episode featuring Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford and When Life Gives You Parkinson’sBooks·        On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life·        In Awe: Rediscover our childlike wonder + unleash inspiration, meaning and joy.Facebook @JohnOLearyRisingAboveInstagram @joholeary.inspiresLinked In @John-O-Leary-08b2805Twitter @JOLearyInspiresThanks to CuriouscastDila Velazquez – Story ProducerGreg Schott – Sound DesignOur Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s IQ + You EventsPD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us. World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.  

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 &amp; 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.” he’s a podcast host, an in-demand international speaker and is someone who intimately understands the impact that Parkinson’s can have on a family.Email Larry and Rebecca: <a href="mailto:ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca">ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca</a>Have questions, comments, or a story idea?We would love you to click here and leave a message<a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a>Follow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a>KEY LINKS John O’Leary Website <a href="http://www.johnolearyinspires.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.JohnOLearyInspires.com</a>Live Inspired Podcast <a href="https://johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/</a>·        <a href="https://johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/larry-rebecca-gifford/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode featuring Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford</a> and When Life Gives You Parkinson’sBooks·        <a href="https://johnolearyinspires.com/shop/on-fire-book/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">On Fire</a>: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life·        <a href="https://johnolearyinspires.com/shop/in-awe-book/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In Awe</a>: Rediscover our childlike wonder + unleash inspiration, meaning and joy.Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JohnOLearyRisingAbove/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@JohnOLearyRisingAbove</a>Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/johnoleary.inspires" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@joholeary.inspires</a>Linked In <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-leary-08b2805/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@John-O-Leary-08b2805</a>Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jolearyinspires" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@JOLearyInspires</a>Thanks to CuriouscastDila Velazquez – Story ProducerGreg Schott – Sound DesignOur Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a>, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a>.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s <a href="http://www.michaeljfox.org/pdiq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s IQ + You Events</a><a href="http://www.pdavengers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PD Avengers</a> – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. <a href="https://www.pdavengers.com/become-a-pd-avenger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join us</a>. <a href="http://www.wpc2023.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress 2023</a> – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

Live Inspired with John O'Leary

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 resilience. Larry and Rebecca also discuss and offer their reactions to the book.EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.caHave questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsonsFollow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: @ParkinsonsPodFacebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPodInstagram: @parkinsonspodKEY LINKS Being Well with Chronic Illness: A Guide to Joy &amp; Resilience with Your Diagnosis  by Kat Kill and Nancy Peate (Paperback and e-Book)Penguin Random House United States US$18.00 Canada C$23.00 Australia A$32.99WHSmith (UK) United Kingdom £15.63PD Lemonade – Kat Hill’s podcastVIDEO: Advocacy Pyramid ARTICLE: Tom Isaac’s Advocacy Pyramid explained from Grand Challenges 2014Women’s Parkinson’s ProjectThanks to Dila Velazquez – Story ProducerGreg Schott – Sound DesignOur Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast hosted by Larry Gifford PD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us. World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 

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 resilience. Larry and Rebecca also discuss and offer their reactions to the book.EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: <a href="mailto:ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca">ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca</a>Have questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a>Follow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> KEY LINKS Being Well with Chronic Illness: A Guide to Joy &amp; Resilience with Your Diagnosis by Kat Kill and Nancy Peate (Paperback and e-Book)Penguin Random House <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706879/being-well-with-chronic-illness-by-kathleen-hill-and-nancy-peate/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United States US$18.00</a> <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/706879/being-well-with-chronic-illness-by-kathleen-hill-and-nancy-peate/9781578269471" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canada C$23.00</a> <a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/being-well-with-chronic-illness-9781578269471" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Australia A$32.99</a>WHSmith (UK) <a href="https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/being-well-a-guide-to-finding-joy-and-resilience-with-chronic-illness/kat-hill/nancy-peate/paperback/9781578269471.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Kingdom £15.63</a><a href="https://kathill.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PD Lemonade</a> – Kat Hill’s podcastVIDEO: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KCtE09iDhQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Advocacy Pyramid</a> ARTICLE: Tom Isaac’s <a href="https://www.parkinsonsmovement.com/toms-advocacy-pyramid/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Advocacy Pyramid</a> explained from Grand Challenges 2014<a href="https://www.womensparkinsonsproject.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Women’s Parkinson’s Project</a> Thanks to Dila Velazquez – Story ProducerGreg Schott – Sound DesignOur Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a>, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a>.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/podcast/milestones-and-momentum-parkinsons-research-part-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s Podcast</a> hosted by Larry Gifford <a href="http://www.pdavengers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PD Avengers</a> – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. <a href="https://www.pdavengers.com/become-a-pd-avenger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join us</a>. <a href="http://www.wpc2023.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress 2023</a> – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website.  <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

Being Well with Parkinson’s

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 and designed 16 Ships for the Royal Australian Navy and spent countless hours battle testing the ships in extreme conditions. At 44-years old he talked to his doctor about onsetting symptoms. It took six years to diagnose him with Young Onset Parkinson’s. He was happy to have a name for it, but bummed because there was no cause, no cure, and no standard disease path. Listen to how Geoff took his diagnosis of Parkinson’s and discovered his own superpowers on how to incorporate and accept it. Using his own body as vessel, he put himself through battle testing and discovered he was capable of far more than he or his doctors believed possible. EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.caHave questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsonsFollow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: @ParkinsonsPodFacebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPodInstagram: @parkinsonspod﻿KEY LINKS WPC2023 Registration and HotelGeoff Constable’s blogVIDEO: Geoff Constable’s 2022 Moomba performanceThanks to Dila Velazquez – Story ProducerGreg Schott – Sound Design Our Promotional Partners include: Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast hosted by Larry Gifford as featured in the MJFF2021 Year in Review. PD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us. World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 

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 and designed 16 Ships for the Royal Australian Navy and spent countless hours battle testing the ships in extreme conditions. At 44-years old he talked to his doctor about onsetting symptoms. It took six years to diagnose him with Young Onset Parkinson’s. He was happy to have a name for it, but bummed because there was no cause, no cure, and no standard disease path. Listen to how Geoff took his diagnosis of Parkinson’s and discovered his own superpowers on how to incorporate and accept it. Using his own body as vessel, he put himself through battle testing and discovered he was capable of far more than he or his doctors believed possible.  EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: <a href="mailto:ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca">ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca</a>Have questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a>Follow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> ﻿KEY LINKS WPC2023 <a href="https://wpc2023.org/page/RegFees" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Registration</a> and <a href="https://wpc2023.org/page/Hotels" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hotel</a>Geoff Constable’s<a href="https://geoffconstable.weebly.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> blog</a>VIDEO: <a href="https://youtu.be/Xl1HvdgRAcI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Geoff Constable’s 2022 Moomba performance</a> Thanks to Dila Velazquez – Story ProducerGreg Schott – Sound Design Our Promotional Partners include: Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a>, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a>. Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/podcast/milestones-and-momentum-parkinsons-research-part-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s Podcast</a> hosted by Larry Gifford as featured in the MJFF2021 Year in Review. <a href="http://www.pdavengers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PD Avengers</a> – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. <a href="https://www.pdavengers.com/become-a-pd-avenger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join us</a>. <a href="http://www.wpc2023.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress 2023</a> – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website. <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

What’s Your Superpower? Feat. Geoff Constable

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: ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.caHave questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsonsFollow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: @ParkinsonsPodFacebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPodInstagram: @parkinsonspodKEY LINKS Spinning Wheels - www.spinningwheelstour.ca Spinning Wheels – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR1_sRarZ_nt6neUqAXNMPw Thanks to Dila Velazquez – Story ProducerGreg Schott – Sound DesignUniversity of ManchesterJim RedmondSteve IsemanMike LoghrinDarlene Richards-LoghrinBBC Sport“The Talk” on Talk TV NetworkAnd YOU!Our Promotional Partners include: Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada.Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast hosted by Larry Gifford as featured in the MJFF2021 Year in Review. PD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us. World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to start thinking about making your plans to join us for #WPC2023 in Barcelona, Spain for the sixth triennial congress. Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 

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: <a href="mailto:ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca">ParkinsonsPod@curiouscast.ca</a>Have questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a>Follow us, Larry &amp; Rebecca Gifford Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> KEY LINKS Spinning Wheels - <a href="http://www.spinningwheelstour.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.spinningwheelstour.ca</a> Spinning Wheels – YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR1_sRarZ_nt6neUqAXNMPw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR1_sRarZ_nt6neUqAXNMPw</a> Thanks to Dila Velazquez – Story ProducerGreg Schott – Sound DesignUniversity of ManchesterJim RedmondSteve IsemanMike LoghrinDarlene Richards-LoghrinBBC Sport“The Talk” on Talk TV NetworkAnd YOU! Our Promotional Partners include: Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a>, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a>. Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/podcast/milestones-and-momentum-parkinsons-research-part-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s Podcast</a> hosted by Larry Gifford as featured in the MJFF2021 Year in Review. <a href="http://www.pdavengers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PD Avengers</a> – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. <a href="https://www.pdavengers.com/become-a-pd-avenger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join us</a>. <a href="http://www.wpc2023.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress 2023</a> – It’s time to start thinking about making your plans to join us for #WPC2023 in Barcelona, Spain for the sixth triennial congress. <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

What’s New and Now in Parkinson’s

Larry Gifford has Parkinson’s disease, and he wants to talk about it. When Life Gives You Parkinson’s chronicles Larry’s journey following diagnosis at age 45, but he knows he’s only part of the story. The podcast gives voice to the fascinating people that make up the Parkinson’s community and beyond — his family, his fellow people with Parkinson’s, care partners, advocates, researchers and healthcare providers. Through these interviews, the podcast informs and inspires others to share their own stories revealing the challenges and growth offered by the Parkinson’s journey. Larry is a seasoned broadcaster and the podcast is co-hosted by then-radio personality Niki Reitmayer until 2020 when Larry’s wife Rebecca takes on the role. Special thank you to our partners. Presenting partner is Parkinson Canada, content and promotional partner Spotlight YOPD, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Parkinson’s IQ + You, PD Avengers, World Parkinson Congress #WPC2023 in Barcelona, Spain.

I&#39;ve really enjoyed listening to Larry&#39;s journey

Great podcast - very informative!

This podcast will help so many folks remember they are not alone.

Very Moving

When Life Gives You Parkinson's

In June, I will be traveling to Kyoto, Japan for the 5thWorld Parkinson Congress(WPC). WPC is a global Parkinson's event that opens its doors to all members of the Parkinson's community, from neurologists and researchers to those living with the disease.  Since my diagnosis in August 2017, I’ve launched the podcast When Life Gives YouParkinson’s. As an extension of that podcast, I have teamed up with the World Parkinson Coalition to help preview WPC2019.  Since my diagnosis, the most unsolicited advice I’ve received is about my diet. As a change of pace, I’m actually asking for advice today from Dr. Laurie Mischley, a naturopathic physician and nutritional neuro-epidemiologist. For the past seven years, she has been tracking 2,000 people with Parkinson’s to determine how foods, vitamins and minerals are impacting the rate of progression. In this episode, Dr. Mischley comments on the positives and negatives of many diets that have been recommended to me including Keto, Gluten-Free, 7:1, and the 24 eggs a day diet.  Based on her research, Mischley finds the people with Parkinson’s that are doing the best overtime, post-diagnosis, are eating fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, non-fried fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, wine, fresh herbs and spices. She notes that this is closely resembles the Mediterranean diet. As important as what to eat, is what not to eat. Mischley has identified several foods associated with statistically-significant, faster than average Parkinson’s progression including dairy, beef, fried foods, soda, canned fruits, and canned vegetables. Organic and local foods matter too. In a true or false question in her study, people who said TRUE to the statement, “I try to eat organically grown foods when possible” are doing significantly better than people who do not go out of their way to eat organic. The same thing is true for the statement, “I shop at local farmers markets, co-ops and try to eat locally and seasonally.” It is because of research and people with Parkinson’s willing to participate in that research that there are best practices, better treatments, and continuing hope for a bio-marker and a cure. Dr. Soania Mathur is a family physician who has been living with Parkinson’s for 21-years. She is speaking at WPC2019 about advocacy and research. “I think there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about clinical trials,” says Mathur on When Life Gives You Parkinson’s. “I think some of the barriers are probably logistical. It’s hard sometimes to fit into our schedules especially when you have Young Onset and you maybe work or raising a young family. Some of the clinical trials can be quite involved in terms of time. Some of it is that people just don’t know how to find trials they would qualify for and be in their geographical area.” During our discussion, Dr. Mathur also outlined some key misconceptions. She notes that some people like the idea of clinical trials, but are fearful that they will lose their current medical care. Others fear they will be subjected to tests that will be painful or inconvenient. And some are concerned that they are being used as a guinea pig for potentially dangerous medication or treatment plan. The reality is while there are invasive clinical trials, there are also observational clinical trials where you fill out questionnaires, there are genetic clinical trials where you simply provide a spit sample, and there are a lot of trials where you have to go in one time and you’re not subjected to long follow up.  Without all of these types of clinical trials the science cannot progress, our understanding of the disease won’t progress, and certainly the development of new treatments won’t occur. When you ready to participate in research, Dr. Mathur suggests you look into data bases like Fox Trial Finder, which she describes as Match.com for clinical trials. These data bases ask for your demographic information and Parkinson’s history and then suggest clinical trials near you which best suit your situation. Each episode of the WPC2019 Podcast, I’m going to check in with James Heron, the Executive Director of the Japanese-Canadian Cultural Centre to teach us a new word or phrase and help us better understand the culture so we can avoid embarrassing ourselves or offending our hosts. This episode Heron teaches us the phrase Toire wa doko desu ka?Which translates to “where is the washroom?” When you enter a Japanese washroom, Heron cautions that there are three types of toilets you may encounter. There is a traditional Japanese toilet. This toilet features a long porcelain trough that you squat over. You’re likely to only encounter this in the countryside and not in the cities. You might encounter a traditional western toilet. This a toilet much like we have here in North America. One difference is that when you flush, water comes out of a fountain for hand washing before being used to flush any liquids or solids. And then there is a modern or “space age” toilet. These toilets can feature lights, a seat warmer and many options for spray cleaning and drying. Heron notes there is no need to be intimidated, because there are pictures clearly identifying where water will be sprayed depending on your needs and that it is quite pleasant and hygienic.    Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod For more info on the World Parkinson Congress head to www.WPC2019.org Facebook: Facebook.com/WorldPDCongress/ Twitter: @WorldPDCongress YouTube: WorldPDcongress Instagram: @worldpdcongress Thank you to: Soania Mathur, MD and author of Shaky Hands: A Kids Guide to Parkinson’s Disease,My GrandPa’s Shaky Handsand the blog, “Designing a Cure; Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease.” Follow Soania on Twitter: @SoaniaMathur Laurie Meschley, ND, MPH, PhD(c). You can follow Laurie’s research on her website “Education is Medicine” on her Facebook pageand on Twitter: @NatNeuro James Heron, Executive Director of Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre   Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

In June, I will be traveling to Kyoto, Japan for the 5th<a href="https://wpc2019.org/page/2019Ambassadors?&amp;hhsearchterms=%22ambassador%22" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress</a>(WPC). WPC is a global Parkinson's event that opens its doors to all members of the Parkinson's community, from neurologists and researchers to those living with the disease.  Since my diagnosis in August 2017, I’ve launched the podcast When Life Gives YouParkinson’s. As an extension of that podcast, I have teamed up with the World Parkinson Coalition to help preview WPC2019.  Since my diagnosis, the most unsolicited advice I’ve received is about my diet. As a change of pace, I’m actually asking for advice today from Dr. Laurie Mischley, a naturopathic physician and nutritional neuro-epidemiologist. For the past seven years, she has been tracking 2,000 people with Parkinson’s to determine how foods, vitamins and minerals are impacting the rate of progression. In this episode, Dr. Mischley comments on the positives and negatives of many diets that have been recommended to me including Keto, Gluten-Free, 7:1, and the 24 eggs a day diet.  Based on her research, Mischley finds the people with Parkinson’s that are doing the best overtime, post-diagnosis, are eating fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, non-fried fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, wine, fresh herbs and spices. She notes that this is closely resembles the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mediterranean diet</a>. As important as what to eat, is what not to eat. Mischley has identified several foods associated with statistically-significant, faster than average Parkinson’s progression including dairy, beef, fried foods, soda, canned fruits, and canned vegetables. Organic and local foods matter too. In a true or false question in her study, people who said TRUE to the statement, “I try to eat organically grown foods when possible” are doing significantly better than people who do not go out of their way to eat organic. The same thing is true for the statement, “I shop at local farmers markets, co-ops and try to eat locally and seasonally.” It is because of research and people with Parkinson’s willing to participate in that research that there are best practices, better treatments, and continuing hope for a bio-marker and a cure. Dr. Soania Mathur is a family physician who has been living with Parkinson’s for 21-years. She is speaking at WPC2019 about advocacy and research. “I think there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about clinical trials,” says Mathur on When Life Gives You Parkinson’s. “I think some of the barriers are probably logistical. It’s hard sometimes to fit into our schedules especially when you have Young Onset and you maybe work or raising a young family. Some of the clinical trials can be quite involved in terms of time. Some of it is that people just don’t know how to find trials they would qualify for and be in their geographical area.” During our discussion, Dr. Mathur also outlined some key misconceptions. She notes that some people like the idea of clinical trials, but are fearful that they will lose their current medical care. Others fear they will be subjected to tests that will be painful or inconvenient. And some are concerned that they are being used as a guinea pig for potentially dangerous medication or treatment plan. The reality is while there are invasive clinical trials, there are also observational clinical trials where you fill out questionnaires, there are genetic clinical trials where you simply provide a spit sample, and there are a lot of trials where you have to go in one time and you’re not subjected to long follow up.  Without all of these types of clinical trials the science cannot progress, our understanding of the disease won’t progress, and certainly the development of new treatments won’t occur. When you ready to participate in research, Dr. Mathur suggests you look into data bases like <a href="https://foxtrialfinder.michaeljfox.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fox Trial Finder</a>, which she describes as <a href="http://Match.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Match.com</a> for clinical trials. These data bases ask for your demographic information and Parkinson’s history and then suggest clinical trials near you which best suit your situation. Each episode of the WPC2019 Podcast, I’m going to check in with James Heron, the Executive Director of the Japanese-Canadian Cultural Centre to teach us a new word or phrase and help us better understand the culture so we can avoid embarrassing ourselves or offending our hosts. This episode Heron teaches us the phrase Toire wa doko desu ka?Which translates to “where is the washroom?” When you enter a Japanese washroom, Heron cautions that there are three types of toilets you may encounter. There is a traditional Japanese toilet. This toilet features a long porcelain trough that you squat over. You’re likely to only encounter this in the countryside and not in the cities. You might encounter a traditional western toilet. This a toilet much like we have here in North America. One difference is that when you flush, water comes out of a fountain for hand washing before being used to flush any liquids or solids. And then there is a modern or “space age” toilet. These toilets can feature lights, a seat warmer and many options for spray cleaning and drying. Heron notes there is no need to be intimidated, because there are pictures clearly identifying where water will be sprayed depending on your needs and that it is quite pleasant and hygienic.  Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> For more info on the World Parkinson Congress head to <a href="http://www.wpc2019.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.WPC2019.org</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WorldPDCongress/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/WorldPDCongress/</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldPDCongress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@WorldPDCongress</a> YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/worldpdcongress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WorldPDcongress</a> Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/worldpdcongress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@worldpdcongress</a> Thank you to: Soania Mathur, MD and author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shaky-Hands-Guide-Parkinsons-Disease/dp/1508510881/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1488201302&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=soania+mathur" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shaky Hands: A Kids Guide to Parkinson’s Disease</a>,<a href="https://www.amazon.com/GrandPas-Shaky-Hands-Soania-Mathur/dp/1490540954/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1488201302&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=soania+mathur" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My GrandPa’s Shaky Hands</a>and the blog, “<a href="http://www.designingacure.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Designing a Cure; Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease.</a>” Follow Soania on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/soaniamathur?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@SoaniaMathur</a> Laurie Meschley, ND, MPH, PhD(c). You can follow Laurie’s research on her website “<a href="https://educationismedicine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Education is Medicine</a>” on her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Laurie-K-Mischley-260034344192965/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>and on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/natneuro?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@NatNeuro</a> James Heron, Executive Director of <a href="http://www.jccc.on.ca/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre </a> Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

The Best Diet for People with Parkinson’s-  WPC2019 | 8

This is a special bonus episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s which we are calling “Extra Dosage.” Full episodes of Season 2 of the podcast will be released every other Wednesday beginning in September 2019.   If you were to imagine Michael J. Fox in your mind right now. You probably are picturing the guy from Back to the Future or The Good Wife. Think about when you’ve seen him interviewed on TVnews programs or when he testified before congress. Those uncontrolled, involuntary movements Michael J. Fox is known for are not symptoms of Parkinson’s. It’s called dyskinesia. It’s a reaction to long-term levodopa use. Yes, the gold standard drug treatment for Parkinson’s, when taken over a long period of time, will effectively treat some of your PD symptoms like tremor, slowness and stiffness, but cause you to move uncontrollably. The Michael J. Fox Foundation describes it as fidgeting, writhing, wriggling, head bobbing or body swaying. It is important to note that not everyone with Parkinson’s will develop this complication. It is more common with people who are diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) or under the age of 50. There was no guarantee I would experience dyskinesia. I didn’t particularly want it. And in the end, I didn’t really have a vote.    After my family returned from World Parkinson Congress in Japan in mid-June, I was jet lagged and my med times and dosages were a bit out of whack. That’s when dyskinesia took hold. It had only ever really happened once before. About six months ago. I do sometimes sway and jerk a bit here and there, but I am a relative stranger to experiencing a full-on, dyskinesia episode.    It was Saturday night, my family was at the dinner table and I started to sway and rock. Slowly at first and then gradually faster and more erratic. My head started to go to the right, my shoulder popped to the left, my neck jerked back and forth. And it repeated over and over again.   About 5 minutes into the dyskinesia, I asked my wife Rebecca to record a video. The dyskinesia lasted 45 minutes. I posted the video on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. For friends and family who’ve not witnessed many physical symptoms of my Parkinson’s, this came as a shock. For people familiar with PD, my episode was rather mild. Two days later, I was at a manager’s off-site meeting with 18 of my colleagues and dyskinesia set in again. It lasted an hour. And then it happened a day later during my exercise class. I was doing a bear crawl and it was as if the bear was drunk. I couldn’t tell my feel what to do anymore. It lasted 30 minutes.       In this Extra Dosage episode, I turn to friends and fellow people with Parkinson’s who’ve been dealing with dyskinesia longer than I have. Becca Miller, 45, is a psychologist at a community mental health center in New Haven, Connecticut. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years ago. She began to have dyskinesia two years ago.  Jim Smerdon, 45, has been living in Vancouver, B.C., with Parkinson’s since 2007. His dyskinesia was so severe he opted for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery in 2014 in search of relief. I wanted to get them to answer some questions I had about dyskinesia and some that my friends and family posed to me after watching the video. Also in this Extra Dosage episode, the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) has announced a series of free, daylong, live events called “Parkinson’s IQ + You.” MJFF Deputy CEO Sohini Chowdhury joined the podcast to chat about it, “the goal is to create a forum where we can share information with Parkinson’s patients, family members, friends, all with the goal of empowering people with Parkinson’s and care  partners so they can optimally manage their disease and learn more about participating in research.” The “Parkinson’s IQ + You” series exciting for a number of reasons, but most relevant to me is that I have been asked to travel with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and be the host and moderator of these events across America. You can get more information at www.michaeljfox.org/PDIQ. There are other events I will be attending in the coming months that were mentioned in this episode. Saturday, August 15, 2019 – Join me at Tour de Fox Pacific Northwest in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. Details here: https://tourdefox.michaeljfox.org/pacificnorthwest   Saturday, August 24, 2019 – Join me inin Pickerington Ohio for the inaugural Tremor Trot. My nephew Anthony and his family are working with Team Fox on this family friendly 5k. You can join us or donate to the cause. Race details here:   You can also donate to the When Life Gives You Parkinson’s Team here: Sunday, September 8, 2019 – I am the emcee and a walker for the Parkinson Superwalkin Vancouver.  Society of British Columbia. Funds raised in BC through this event help to provide valuable support services and education offered by Parkinson Society British Columbia in BC as well as fund research efforts. You can also donate to the When Life Gives You Parkinson’s Team here. Saturday, September 14, 2019 – I will be in Atlanta, Georgia for the first “Parkinson’s IQ + You” event. Register for free here. If you have a comment or question about the podcast, you can email us: parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca   Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmayer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer  Special thanks to…   Becca Miller, Jim Smerdon, Emma Lane, Sohini Chowdury, Rebecca Gifford and Henry Gifford.  Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

This is a special bonus episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s which we are calling “Extra Dosage.” Full episodes of Season 2 of the podcast will be released every other Wednesday beginning in September 2019.   If you were to imagine Michael J. Fox in your mind right now. You probably are picturing the guy from Back to the Future or The Good Wife. Think about when you’ve seen him interviewed on TVnews programs or when he testified before congress. Those uncontrolled, involuntary movements Michael J. Fox is known for are not symptoms of Parkinson’s. It’s called <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/dyskinesia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dyskinesia</a>. It’s a reaction to long-term levodopa use. Yes, the gold standard drug treatment for Parkinson’s, when taken over a long period of time, will effectively treat some of your PD symptoms like tremor, slowness and stiffness, but cause you to move uncontrollably. The Michael J. Fox Foundation describes it as fidgeting, writhing, wriggling, head bobbing or body swaying. It is important to note that not everyone with Parkinson’s will develop this complication. It is more common with people who are diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) or under the age of 50. There was no guarantee I would experience dyskinesia. I didn’t particularly want it. And in the end, I didn’t really have a vote.    After my family returned from World Parkinson Congress in Japan in mid-June, I was jet lagged and my med times and dosages were a bit out of whack. That’s when dyskinesia took hold. It had only ever really happened once before. About six months ago. I do sometimes sway and jerk a bit here and there, but I am a relative stranger to experiencing a full-on, dyskinesia episode.    It was Saturday night, my family was at the dinner table and I started to sway and rock. Slowly at first and then gradually faster and more erratic. My head started to go to the right, my shoulder popped to the left, my neck jerked back and forth. And it repeated over and over again.   About 5 minutes into the dyskinesia, I asked my wife Rebecca to record a video. The dyskinesia lasted 45 minutes. I posted the video on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. For friends and family who’ve not witnessed many physical symptoms of my Parkinson’s, this came as a shock. For people familiar with PD, my episode was rather mild. Two days later, I was at a manager’s off-site meeting with 18 of my colleagues and dyskinesia set in again. It lasted an hour. And then it happened a day later during my exercise class. I was doing a bear crawl and it was as if the bear was drunk. I couldn’t tell my feel what to do anymore. It lasted 30 minutes.       In this Extra Dosage episode, I turn to friends and fellow people with Parkinson’s who’ve been dealing with dyskinesia longer than I have. Becca Miller, 45, is a psychologist at a community mental health center in New Haven, Connecticut. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years ago. She began to have dyskinesia two years ago.  Jim Smerdon, 45, has been living in Vancouver, B.C., with Parkinson’s since 2007. His dyskinesia was so severe he opted for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery in 2014 in search of relief. I wanted to get them to answer some questions I had about dyskinesia and some that my friends and family posed to me after watching the video. Also in this Extra Dosage episode, the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) has announced a series of free, daylong, live events called “<a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/parkinsons-iq-you" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s IQ + You</a>.” MJFF Deputy CEO Sohini Chowdhury joined the podcast to chat about it, “the goal is to create a forum where we can share information with Parkinson’s patients, family members, friends, all with the goal of empowering people with Parkinson’s and care  partners so they can optimally manage their disease and learn more about participating in research.” The “Parkinson’s IQ + You” series exciting for a number of reasons, but most relevant to me is that I have been asked to travel with the Michael J. Fox Foundation and be the host and moderator of these events across America. You can get more information at <a href="http://www.michaeljfox.org/PDIQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.michaeljfox.org/PDIQ</a>. There are other events I will be attending in the coming months that were mentioned in this episode. Saturday, August 15, 2019 – Join me at Tour de Fox Pacific Northwest in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. Details here: <a href="https://tourdefox.michaeljfox.org/pacificnorthwest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://tourdefox.michaeljfox.org/pacificnorthwest</a> Saturday, August 24, 2019 – Join me inin Pickerington Ohio for <a href="https://www.trisignup.com/Race/OH/Pickerington/TremorTrot" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the inaugural Tremor Trot</a>. My nephew Anthony and his family are working with Team Fox on this family friendly 5k. You can join us or donate to the cause. Race details here:   You can also <a href="https://www.trisignup.com/whenlife" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">donate to the When Life Gives You Parkinson’s Team here</a>: Sunday, September 8, 2019 – I am the emcee and a walker for the <a href="http://events.parkinson.bc.ca/site/TR?pg=entry&amp;fr_id=1090" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson Superwalk</a>in Vancouver.  Society of British Columbia. Funds raised in BC through this event help to provide valuable support services and education offered by Parkinson Society British Columbia in BC as well as fund research efforts. You can also <a href="https://t.co/dgEh3GglDr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">donate to the When Life Gives You Parkinson’s Team here</a>. Saturday, September 14, 2019 – I will be in Atlanta, Georgia for the first “Parkinson’s IQ + You” event. <a href="http://www.michaeljfox.org/PDIQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Register for free here.</a> If you have a comment or question about the podcast, you can email us: <a href="mailto:parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca">parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca</a> Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmayer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a>  Special thanks to…  Becca Miller, Jim Smerdon, Emma Lane, Sohini Chowdury, Rebecca Gifford and Henry Gifford. Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

Extra Dosage: Dyskinesia

Parkinson Congress

I am in Kyoto, Japan for the 5th World Parkinson Congress (WPC). WPC is a global Parkinson's event, which is held every three years and it opens its doors to all members of the Parkinson's community, from neurologists and researchers to those living with the disease.      The WPC wrapped up the fourth and final day by announcing Barcelona, Spain as the next destination for the World Parkinson Congress in 2022. In this episode of the pod, my wife Rebecca and I sit down with Amazing Race Canada Season One winner Tim Hauge and his wife Cheryl to talk about the gifts Parkinson’s have given our families.   There’s also a roundtable discussion where participants of WPC2019 share thoughts on what they’ll take away after four days of meetings, workshops and socialization.   Eli Pollard, Executive Director of World Parkinson Coalition which organizes the World Parkinson Congress gets the final word on the podcast declaring it quite a success with a few themes bubbling up to the surface. Families and Parkinson’s is really a hot topic and there were more kids of parents with Parkinson’s were at this WPC than ever before and for the first time actually participated as speakers in a workshop. The other notably theme was the rising interest in more programming geared towards the Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) contingent.     Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspodirt For more info on the World Parkinson Congress head to www.WPC2019.org Facebook: Facebook.com/WorldPDCongress/ Twitter: @WorldPDCongress YouTube: WorldPDcongress Instagram: @worldpdcongress Thank you to: Tim &amp; Sheryl Hauge Andy Butler, partner in Parkinson’s Vicki Dillon, person with Parkinson’s Benjamin Stetcher, https://tmrwedition.com/ Anne Cohn Donnelly D.P.H., Michael J. Fox Foundation Patient Council David Murray, Cure Parkinson’s Trust Eli Pollard, Executive Director of World Parkinson Coalition

I am in Kyoto, Japan for the 5th <a href="https://wpc2019.org/page/2019Ambassadors?&amp;hhsearchterms=%22ambassador%22" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Parkinson Congress</a> (WPC). WPC is a global Parkinson's event, which is held every three years and it opens its doors to all members of the Parkinson's community, from neurologists and researchers to those living with the disease.    The WPC wrapped up the fourth and final day by announcing Barcelona, Spain as the next destination for the World Parkinson Congress in 2022. In this episode of the pod, my wife Rebecca and I sit down with Amazing Race Canada Season One winner Tim Hauge and his wife Cheryl to talk about the gifts Parkinson’s have given our families. There’s also a roundtable discussion where participants of WPC2019 share thoughts on what they’ll take away after four days of meetings, workshops and socialization. Eli Pollard, Executive Director of World Parkinson Coalition which organizes the World Parkinson Congress gets the final word on the podcast declaring it quite a success with a few themes bubbling up to the surface. Families and Parkinson’s is really a hot topic and there were more kids of parents with Parkinson’s were at this WPC than ever before and for the first time actually participated as speakers in a workshop. The other notably theme was the rising interest in more programming geared towards the Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) contingent. Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a>irt For more info on the World Parkinson Congress head to <a href="http://www.WPC2019.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.WPC2019.org</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WorldPDCongress/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/WorldPDCongress/</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldPDCongress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@WorldPDCongress</a> YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/worldpdcongress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WorldPDcongress</a> Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/worldpdcongress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@worldpdcongress</a> Thank you to: Tim &amp; Sheryl Hauge Andy Butler, partner in Parkinson’s Vicki Dillon, person with Parkinson’s Benjamin Stetcher, <a href="https://tmrwedition.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://tmrwedition.com/</a> Anne Cohn Donnelly D.P.H., Michael J. Fox Foundation Patient Council David Murray, Cure Parkinson’s Trust Eli Pollard, Executive Director of World Parkinson Coalition

World Parkinson Congress Day 4 - WPC2019 | 14

On April 4, 2017 I texted my brothers and sister. It read, “Hi all... news of a sort from up north. For some time now, I've been experiencing issues on the side of my body leading to foot dragging/clomping, favouring my left hand over right for many tasks, slurred speech at times... life threatening issues have been eliminated. Today I went to the MS clinic for tests. MS is very unlikely, but it appears I have something in the Parkinson's family. I've been referred to a specialist, will be getting a brain MRI and will be taking drugs to increase dopamine which should relieve my symptoms. I would encourage you not to worry, it seems under control and we aren't exactly sure what it is yet. But I wanted to make sure you were all in the loop. Love, Larry”  That text provoked many emotions from my siblings: shock, sadness, devastation, confusion, anger, and guilt. In this episode, you’ll hear the most intimate conversations I have ever had with my two brothers and sister. I talk to Bruce, Dan and Tracy about that text, my Parkinson’s, our fears, and unconditional love. I also learn what the “Larry filter” is and I answer their questions about living with Parkinson’s. When you get Parkinson’s disease it makes you reevaluate your relationships, how you live your life, your priorities, everything. These conversations are part of that process for me. What I discovered is that while it is my diagnosis, Parkinson’s is given to everybody in your life. It impacts each person in some way. Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to Bruce Gifford, Dan Gifford, Tracy Cherry and Rebecca Gifford for being an important part of my life and this story. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline mentioned in this episode is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Parkinson Canada – Podcast Partner Dila Valazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Audio Producer and Sound Design

On April 4, 2017 I texted my brothers and sister. It read, “Hi all... news of a sort from up north. For some time now, I've been experiencing issues on the side of my body leading to foot dragging/clomping, favouring my left hand over right for many tasks, slurred speech at times... life threatening issues have been eliminated. Today I went to the MS clinic for tests. MS is very unlikely, but it appears I have something in the Parkinson's family. I've been referred to a specialist, will be getting a brain MRI and will be taking drugs to increase dopamine which should relieve my symptoms. I would encourage you not to worry, it seems under control and we aren't exactly sure what it is yet. But I wanted to make sure you were all in the loop. Love, Larry” That text provoked many emotions from my siblings: shock, sadness, devastation, confusion, anger, and guilt. In this episode, you’ll hear the most intimate conversations I have ever had with my two brothers and sister. I talk to Bruce, Dan and Tracy about that text, my Parkinson’s, our fears, and unconditional love. I also learn what the “Larry filter” is and I answer their questions about living with Parkinson’s. When you get Parkinson’s disease it makes you reevaluate your relationships, how you live your life, your priorities, everything. These conversations are part of that process for me. What I discovered is that while it is my diagnosis, Parkinson’s is given to everybody in your life. It impacts each person in some way. Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to Bruce Gifford, Dan Gifford, Tracy Cherry and Rebecca Gifford for being an important part of my life and this story. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline mentioned in this episode is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Parkinson Society BC      <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsBC?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsBC</a> Credits Parkinson Canada – Podcast Partner Dila Valazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Audio Producer and Sound Design

Sharing the news, saying I love you, and "The Larry Filter"  | 2

In this special episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s, the Parkinson’s community from around the world come together to share what they believe you should know about this disease. I also interview Matt Eagles. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when he was 8-years-old. He just helped to create and launch a new initiative called “Parky Life.” Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to Matt Eagles of ParkyLife https://parkylife.com/ and everyone who contributed to this episode.  For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC

In this special episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s, the Parkinson’s community from around the world come together to share what they believe you should know about this disease. I also interview Matt Eagles. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when he was 8-years-old. He just helped to create and launch a new initiative called “Parky Life.” Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to Matt Eagles of ParkyLife <a href="https://parkylife.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://parkylife.com/</a> and everyone who contributed to this episode. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Parkinson Society BC      <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsBC?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsBC</a>

World Parkinson's Day

One of the more common symptoms for people with Parkinson’s is trouble sleeping. Some of us can’t get to sleep, some can’t stay asleep, while others are awaken by tremors, painful dystonia cramping or realistic nightmares.  I can’t stay asleep.  My sleeping journal is more of an awakening journal. One day it reads “up at 3a,” the next “up at 1a,” followed by “up at 3a, up at 3:30a, and up at 4:20a.”  I’ve tried Melatonin, Magnesium Glycinate, light therapy, aromatherapy, silence, music, meditation, reading, more levodopa, later bedtimes, earlier bedtimes and the list goes on. Sleep is important for everyone. When you don’t get enough sleep you are less productive, less attentive, less present, less creative, less active, less everything it seems except tired. WebMD suggests it also puts you at “greater risk for depression, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and death.” I know you’re not supposed to believe everything you read on the internet, but it’s WebMD. Right? I’m also told by researchers that sleep is the time your brain needs to redistribute chemicals into all of its nooks and crannies and for your mind and body to assimilate after each day’s journey. (Both points seem especially relevant when you have a degenerative brain disease which is triggered by the lack of production of the brain chemical dopamine.) One of my doctors suggested if I don’t get regular REM sleep, I am increasing my risk of a mental meltdown. Needless to say, sleep is an issue that I must address.  My neurologist suggested Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is also apparently a good sedative. It also causes an increased appetite and weight gain. Neither of which I need right now. I suggested an alternative. As Canada legalizes Cannabis, I asked, “What about CBD Oil?” For transparency, I’m not a pot smoker. I have before, I inhaled, and I liked it well enough. But, I never smoked weed regularly and have not recently.  My neurologist didn’t discourage me and suggested it wouldn’t hurt to try, but it is trial and error. I did some homework. In discussions with users and by reading about CBD Oil, there are a few things I learned.  Cannabis is hit and miss. Some in the Parkinson’s community swear by it and others who’ve tried it never found it to be effective. I’ve heard from several sources it’s a 50/50 proposition. There is no prescription. How much to take, when to take it and how to take it are up to you to discover and debate. It’s fairly intimidating. Some days I feel like I couldn’t make ramen without the instructions on the package. I brought this up to Barinder Rasode, the founder of the National Institute for Cannabis Health and Education. She agreed with me, “I share your frustration about no knowing how much or what type of Cannabis to take.” She had to do trial and error when figuring out her own regiment of CBD oil for her sleeping issues. Rasode is bullish on cannabis as it relates to treating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, “It reduces both the tremors and some researchers think it actually saves the neurons from further damage caused by Parkinson’s.” She admits those findings are anecdotal at this point, but is hopeful for more scientific trials in the wake of legalization.   The truth is there has been little research on Cannabis and Parkinson’s. So, not much is actually known. However, one trusted medical professional shared with me that while it is very likely CBD oil will make me drowsy, it is less likely to support and promote a regular sleep cycle.  What the heck. I’ll give it a try. Let the adventures into the world of Cannabis begin. Sweet dreams? I hope. We asked our partners at PARKINSON CANADA for their official POSITION on cannabis… “To-date, it has not been conclusively demonstrated by science based evaluation that marijuana can directly benefit people with Parkinson’s disease. There is a need for larger, controlled studies to better understand the efficacy of medical use of marijuana for Parkinson’s. If you are considering medical use of marijuana for Parkinson’s, we recommend you consult with your health care professional to carefully weigh potential risks and/or benefits for your individual situation. We will continue to monitor the topic of marijuana for medical purposes and will update our resources as new information becomes available.” Parkinson Canada offers this resource for people with Parkinson’s who have sleep issues http://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/Parkinsons-disease-and-Sleep-issues.pdf  Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to my wife Rebecca Gifford and our son Henry.  Thank you to the founder of National Institute for Cannabis Health and Education, Barinder Rasode. Follow her on twitter @BarinderRasode. For more information on NICHE Canada try: https://www.nichecanada.com/ and here is a link to the Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence research on Parkinson’s and Marijuana http://parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Treatment/Medical-Marijuana For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline mentioned in this episode is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

One of the more common symptoms for people with Parkinson’s is trouble sleeping. Some of us can’t get to sleep, some can’t stay asleep, while others are awaken by tremors, painful dystonia cramping or realistic nightmares.  I can’t stay asleep.  My sleeping journal is more of an awakening journal. One day it reads “up at 3a,” the next “up at 1a,” followed by “up at 3a, up at 3:30a, and up at 4:20a.”  I’ve tried Melatonin, Magnesium Glycinate, light therapy, aromatherapy, silence, music, meditation, reading, more levodopa, later bedtimes, earlier bedtimes and the list goes on. Sleep is important for everyone. When you don’t get enough sleep you are less productive, less attentive, less present, less creative, less active, less everything it seems except tired. WebMD suggests it also puts you at “greater risk for depression, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and death.” I know you’re not supposed to believe everything you read on the internet, but it’s WebMD. Right? I’m also told by researchers that sleep is the time your brain needs to redistribute chemicals into all of its nooks and crannies and for your mind and body to assimilate after each day’s journey. (Both points seem especially relevant when you have a degenerative brain disease which is triggered by the lack of production of the brain chemical dopamine.) One of my doctors suggested if I don’t get regular REM sleep, I am increasing my risk of a mental meltdown. Needless to say, sleep is an issue that I must address.  My neurologist suggested Mirtazapine, an antidepressant that is also apparently a good sedative. It also causes an increased appetite and weight gain. Neither of which I need right now. I suggested an alternative. As Canada legalizes Cannabis, I asked, “What about CBD Oil?” For transparency, I’m not a pot smoker. I have before, I inhaled, and I liked it well enough. But, I never smoked weed regularly and have not recently.  My neurologist didn’t discourage me and suggested it wouldn’t hurt to try, but it is trial and error. I did some homework. In discussions with users and by reading about CBD Oil, there are a few things I learned.  Cannabis is hit and miss. Some in the Parkinson’s community swear by it and others who’ve tried it never found it to be effective. I’ve heard from several sources it’s a 50/50 proposition. There is no prescription. How much to take, when to take it and how to take it are up to you to discover and debate. It’s fairly intimidating. Some days I feel like I couldn’t make ramen without the instructions on the package. I brought this up to Barinder Rasode, the founder of the National Institute for Cannabis Health and Education. She agreed with me, “I share your frustration about no knowing how much or what type of Cannabis to take.” She had to do trial and error when figuring out her own regiment of CBD oil for her sleeping issues. Rasode is bullish on cannabis as it relates to treating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, “It reduces both the tremors and some researchers think it actually saves the neurons from further damage caused by Parkinson’s.” She admits those findings are anecdotal at this point, but is hopeful for more scientific trials in the wake of legalization.   The truth is there has been little research on Cannabis and Parkinson’s. So, not much is actually known. However, one trusted medical professional shared with me that while it is very likely CBD oil will make me drowsy, it is less likely to support and promote a regular sleep cycle.  What the heck. I’ll give it a try. Let the adventures into the world of Cannabis begin. Sweet dreams? I hope. We asked our partners at PARKINSON CANADA for their official POSITION on cannabis… “To-date, it has not been conclusively demonstrated by science based evaluation that marijuana can directly benefit people with Parkinson’s disease. There is a need for larger, controlled studies to better understand the efficacy of medical use of marijuana for Parkinson’s. If you are considering medical use of marijuana for Parkinson’s, we recommend you consult with your health care professional to carefully weigh potential risks and/or benefits for your individual situation. We will continue to monitor the topic of marijuana for medical purposes and will update our resources as new information becomes available.” Parkinson Canada offers this resource for people with Parkinson’s who have sleep issues <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/Parkinsons-disease-and-Sleep-issues.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/Parkinsons-disease-and-Sleep-issues.pdf</a> Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to my wife Rebecca Gifford and our son Henry. Thank you to the founder of National Institute for Cannabis Health and Education, Barinder Rasode. Follow her on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/BarinderRasode?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@BarinderRasode</a>. For more information on NICHE Canada try: <a href="https://www.nichecanada.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nichecanada.com/</a> and here is a link to the Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence research on Parkinson’s and Marijuana <a href="http://parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Treatment/Medical-Marijuana" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Treatment/Medical-Marijuana</a> For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline mentioned in this episode is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Parkinson Society BC      <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsBC?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsBC</a> Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

The Search for Sound Sleep: A Virgin Voyage with Cannabis Oil  | 4

I have never been very athletic. I have never been excited by thinking about or participating in exercise. The idea of a daily workout, gym memberships, exercise classes or scheduled physical activity of any kind has always been something other people do.  In August 2017, my neurologist Dr. Jonathon Squires at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Healthat UBC gave me a prescription for levodopa-carbidopa and a serious recommendation to exercise. Dr. Squires told me, “The only thing we know so far that slows the progression of Parkinson’s disease is physical activity. It does help control the symptoms and it does help slow the progression as far as we know. So it’s very important.” Never one to accept exercise as the answer suggested the medication might be enough. Dr. Squires rebutted, “In some ways, I feel like all the medications that we use are really just to enable people to exercise.” That’s when I realized this exercise thing is real, but I wanted to know why. I sought out Dr. A Jon Stoessl. He’s the head of Neurology at UBC, co-director of the Centre for Brain Health and one of the neurologists that has been researching the benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease. I asked if there was anything else aside from exercise I could explore. Anything. Anything? Dr. Stoessl didn’t hesitate or cushion the blow. The answer was no. He explained, “In fact, we don’t have any medical treatments that have been shown to have an impact on disease progression. So, we can treat the symptoms, but we don’t end up treating the underlying disease. Exercise may actually be the way to do that.” Research results suggest an exercise routine that consists of a combination aerobic and resistance training, four days a week, for a half-hour each day. Dr. Stoessl told me if I can still carry on a conversation while I’m working out, I’m not working out hard enough. He also offered this advice, “Do what you hate the least, because it’s no good someone prescribing you a half-hour on the treadmill every day, if you will never get on a treadmill.” So what exercise do I hate the least? In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s I explore a variety of exercises in search of one or some that I can commit to. I lace up boxing gloves for a Rock Steady Boxing class in at Impact Parkinson’s in New Westminster. Trainer Robyn Murrell takes people with Parkinson’s through circuit training, “You’ve got your foot work, hand-eye coordination, balance, cognitive, and speed. They can all relate somehow to all the different symptoms of Parkinson’s.” She notes the results are beyond the physical improvements, “It gives them a lot more confidence. I think that’s the biggest thing that I see.”  Through my search for an exercise right for me, I visit Rain City Fitness to try Cross Fit with Hilary Vanderliek. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when she was 24, “I love Cross Fit because it’s given me the opportunity to realize my potential.” I also begin find physical activity and a way to retrain my brain how to walk again through Parkinson’s specific Physiotherapy. Naomi Casiro, BSc(Kin), MPT, Certified PWR! Is the founder of NeuroFit BC, “With Parkinson’s there something we call motor weakness. You know, your muscles are there and they’re ready to function, but the signals aren’t getting through.  They’re there, they just aren’t being utilized. They really want to be woken up. Right?” Casiro says waking up those motor patterns through Physiotherapy often leads to people’s functions drastically improving.   All of these experiences from the boxing ring to the Neurologist’s office have been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. They’re all realistic and want to help me and others with Parkinson’s live our best life. Now it’s up to me to commit to being physically active, for the rest of my life, for the best chance to keep Parkinson’s from progressing faster than it wants to.  Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to: My fellow partners in Parkinson’s: Sugar Jay Siddell and Hilary Vanderliek. Check out Hilary’s mental health initiative “The Thought Project.”  Robyn Murrell and Impact Parkinson’s in New Westminster, British Columbia. Follow them on Facebookand Twitter @ImpactParkinson.  Rain City Fitnesson Instagram @raincityathlsand Cross Fit trainer Liz Carrier.   Naomi Casiro and NeuroFit BC. On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NeuroFitBC/and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5kLaXx3PMslzSfxVcieM2A Drs. Jonathon Squire and A. Jon Stoessl at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/. Follow the Centre for Brain Health on Twitter at @DMCBrainHealth.   And my wife Rebecca Gifford For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

I have never been very athletic. I have never been excited by thinking about or participating in exercise. The idea of a daily workout, gym memberships, exercise classes or scheduled physical activity of any kind has always been something other people do.  In August 2017, my neurologist Dr. Jonathon Squires at the <a href="https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health</a>at UBC gave me a prescription for levodopa-carbidopa and a serious recommendation to exercise. Dr. Squires told me, “The only thing we know so far that slows the progression of Parkinson’s disease is physical activity. It does help control the symptoms and it does help slow the progression as far as we know. So it’s very important.” Never one to accept exercise as the answer suggested the medication might be enough. Dr. Squires rebutted, “In some ways, I feel like all the medications that we use are really just to enable people to exercise.” That’s when I realized this exercise thing is real, but I wanted to know why. I sought out Dr. A Jon Stoessl. He’s the head of Neurology at UBC, co-director of the Centre for Brain Health and one of the neurologists that has been researching the benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease. I asked if there was anything else aside from exercise I could explore. Anything. Anything? Dr. Stoessl didn’t hesitate or cushion the blow. The answer was no. He explained, “In fact, we don’t have any medical treatments that have been shown to have an impact on disease progression. So, we can treat the symptoms, but we don’t end up treating the underlying disease. Exercise may actually be the way to do that.” Research results suggest an exercise routine that consists of a combination aerobic and resistance training, four days a week, for a half-hour each day. Dr. Stoessl told me if I can still carry on a conversation while I’m working out, I’m not working out hard enough. He also offered this advice, “Do what you hate the least, because it’s no good someone prescribing you a half-hour on the treadmill every day, if you will never get on a treadmill.” So what exercise do I hate the least? In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s I explore a variety of exercises in search of one or some that I can commit to. I lace up boxing gloves for a Rock Steady Boxing class in at Impact Parkinson’s in New Westminster. Trainer Robyn Murrell takes people with Parkinson’s through circuit training, “You’ve got your foot work, hand-eye coordination, balance, cognitive, and speed. They can all relate somehow to all the different symptoms of Parkinson’s.” She notes the results are beyond the physical improvements, “It gives them a lot more confidence. I think that’s the biggest thing that I see.”  Through my search for an exercise right for me, I visit Rain City Fitness to try Cross Fit with Hilary Vanderliek. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when she was 24, “I love Cross Fit because it’s given me the opportunity to realize my potential.” I also begin find physical activity and a way to retrain my brain how to walk again through Parkinson’s specific Physiotherapy. Naomi Casiro, BSc(Kin), MPT, Certified PWR! Is the founder of <a href="https://www.neurofitbc.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NeuroFit BC</a>, “With Parkinson’s there something we call motor weakness. You know, your muscles are there and they’re ready to function, but the signals aren’t getting through.  They’re there, they just aren’t being utilized. They really want to be woken up. Right?” Casiro says waking up those motor patterns through Physiotherapy often leads to people’s functions drastically improving.   All of these experiences from the boxing ring to the Neurologist’s office have been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. They’re all realistic and want to help me and others with Parkinson’s live our best life. Now it’s up to me to commit to being physically active, for the rest of my life, for the best chance to keep Parkinson’s from progressing faster than it wants to.  Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to: My fellow partners in Parkinson’s: Sugar Jay Siddell and Hilary Vanderliek. Check out Hilary’s mental health initiative “<a href="http://www.thethoughtproject.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Thought Project</a>.” Robyn Murrell and Impact Parkinson’s in New Westminster, British Columbia. Follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IMPACTParkinsons/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>and Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/ImpactParkinson" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ImpactParkinson</a>. <a href="https://www.raincityathletics.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rain City Fitness</a>on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raincityathls/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@raincityathls</a>and Cross Fit trainer <a href="https://www.raincityathletics.ca/coaches/liz-carrier" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Liz Carrier</a>.  Naomi Casiro and <a href="https://www.neurofitbc.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NeuroFit BC</a>. On Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NeuroFitBC/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/NeuroFitBC/</a>and YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5kLaXx3PMslzSfxVcieM2A" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5kLaXx3PMslzSfxVcieM2A</a> Drs. Jonathon Squire and A. Jon Stoessl at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health <a href="https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/</a>. Follow the Centre for Brain Health on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/DMCBrainHealth" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@DMCBrainHealth</a>.  And my wife Rebecca Gifford For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Parkinson Society BC      <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsBC?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsBC</a> Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

Exercise is a Real Prescription for Parkinson’s | 7

In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s we explore the role of the caregiver. Seeing as I’m a person with Parkinson’s and not a caregiver, my caregiver and wife Rebecca is featured prominently along with my co-host Niki Reitmayer and other caregivers Noel MacDonald and John Parkhurst. At the end of the episode, I chime in with a quick interview with Dr. Robert Duff about what caregivers need to do to make sure they’re taking care of themselves. At the end of the episode, Niki mentions a few resources for caregivers from Parkinson Canada which can be found here:   Caregiving Webinar https://vimeo.com/168664929 Caregiver “Am I in Balance?” worksheet https://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/Am-I-in-balance-taking-care.pdf Aside from being a wife, caregiver, mom, home school teacher, family chef and chauffeur, Rebecca is a writer. In fact, she’s a great writer. This week, for the podcast notes, I invited her to put pen to paper to express in her own words what it means to be a caregiver to someone with Parkinson’s.   The following is written by Rebecca Gifford, caregiver and wife of Larry Gifford   It happens all the time, all over the world. Two people love each other. You build a relationship, a partnership, and ultimately share a commitment and a life. You grow and make plans, hopeful for the future. Somewhere in the back of your head you know that something could happen that feels like the universe having a good chuckle at your expectations. It’s easy to dismiss these thoughts as “not right now” or “perhaps when we’re older.” Then one day you hear a faint belly laugh. One of you is diagnosed with something frightening, and everything changes. Of course everything shifts for the person with the disease, but the changes are as profound for those closest to them. Just as all families who are faced with a diagnosis do, we discovered a new path the day Larry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. As his partner and wife, when it appeared before me I took his hand so we can walk it together. Sometimes it is joyful and beautiful—the opportunity to tell our story, to make a difference and connect with a remarkable community; the opportunity to offer life-shaping lessons to our son; a chance to clarify, simplify and rebalance our life. Sometimes it is sad or infuriating or frightening—grieving our pre-PD life, seeking balance in an ever-changing situation, adjusting to Larry’s uneven physical and energetic capacities, shifting the balance of our parenting roles, and facing endless uncertainty. Larry and I are reexamining and redefining our roles in our marriage, knowing we likely will need to do this again and again as the disease progresses. We are re-prioritizing our daily lives, while also discovering that often self-care means we can’t meet the expectations of those around us, including each other. And on and on. Those who have been partners of people with Parkinson’s for much longer than I have know that the above lists will get much longer before the food truck pulls away. For us and so many, the growing pains are real. We all know that everyone’s journey is different. But as partners and most trusted caregivers, we have a front row seat for our loved one’s experience. We may not be experiencing the disease directly, but we have an important role. We aren’t just helpers, healers and emotional support. We are the witnesses, the observers. We see their highs and lows, are inspired by their strength and humor, and are empathetic to their worries and grief. We are sitting beside them as they drive the rollercoaster, an extra pair of eyes and ears on the track. This can be just as challenging, but also just as enlightening. We can and are supporting them and choosing the spot beside our dear ones. Our journey isn’t easy, but it’s full of all the thrills and lessons that a rich life brings.   Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to Noel MacDonald, Marty Gifford, John Parkhurst, Dr. Robert Duff from The Hardcore Self Help Podcast Website: https://www.duffthepsych.com You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/duffthepsych Twitter:https://twitter.com/DuffThePsych Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duffthepsych/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/duffthepsych And special thanks to my wife and caregiver Rebecca Gifford. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s we explore the role of the caregiver. Seeing as I’m a person with Parkinson’s and not a caregiver, my caregiver and wife Rebecca is featured prominently along with my co-host Niki Reitmayer and other caregivers Noel MacDonald and John Parkhurst. At the end of the episode, I chime in with a quick interview with Dr. Robert Duff about what caregivers need to do to make sure they’re taking care of themselves. At the end of the episode, Niki mentions a few resources for caregivers from Parkinson Canada which can be found here: Caregiving Webinar <a href="https://vimeo.com/168664929" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/168664929</a> Caregiver “Am I in Balance?” worksheet <a href="https://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/Am-I-in-balance-taking-care.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/Am-I-in-balance-taking-care.pdf</a> Aside from being a wife, caregiver, mom, home school teacher, family chef and chauffeur, Rebecca is a writer. In fact, she’s a great writer. This week, for the podcast notes, I invited her to put pen to paper to express in her own words what it means to be a caregiver to someone with Parkinson’s. The following is written by Rebecca Gifford, caregiver and wife of Larry Gifford It happens all the time, all over the world. Two people love each other. You build a relationship, a partnership, and ultimately share a commitment and a life. You grow and make plans, hopeful for the future. Somewhere in the back of your head you know that something could happen that feels like the universe having a good chuckle at your expectations. It’s easy to dismiss these thoughts as “not right now” or “perhaps when we’re older.” Then one day you hear a faint belly laugh. One of you is diagnosed with something frightening, and everything changes. Of course everything shifts for the person with the disease, but the changes are as profound for those closest to them. Just as all families who are faced with a diagnosis do, we discovered a new path the day Larry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. As his partner and wife, when it appeared before me I took his hand so we can walk it together. Sometimes it is joyful and beautiful—the opportunity to tell our story, to make a difference and connect with a remarkable community; the opportunity to offer life-shaping lessons to our son; a chance to clarify, simplify and rebalance our life. Sometimes it is sad or infuriating or frightening—grieving our pre-PD life, seeking balance in an ever-changing situation, adjusting to Larry’s uneven physical and energetic capacities, shifting the balance of our parenting roles, and facing endless uncertainty. Larry and I are reexamining and redefining our roles in our marriage, knowing we likely will need to do this again and again as the disease progresses. We are re-prioritizing our daily lives, while also discovering that often self-care means we can’t meet the expectations of those around us, including each other. And on and on. Those who have been partners of people with Parkinson’s for much longer than I have know that the above lists will get much longer before the food truck pulls away. For us and so many, the growing pains are real. We all know that everyone’s journey is different. But as partners and most trusted caregivers, we have a front row seat for our loved one’s experience. We may not be experiencing the disease directly, but we have an important role. We aren’t just helpers, healers and emotional support. We are the witnesses, the observers. We see their highs and lows, are inspired by their strength and humor, and are empathetic to their worries and grief. We are sitting beside them as they drive the rollercoaster, an extra pair of eyes and ears on the track. This can be just as challenging, but also just as enlightening. We can and are supporting them and choosing the spot beside our dear ones. Our journey isn’t easy, but it’s full of all the thrills and lessons that a rich life brings. Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to Noel MacDonald, Marty Gifford, John Parkhurst, Dr. Robert Duff from <a href="https://www.duffthepsych.com/hsh-podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Hardcore Self Help Podcast</a> Website: <a href="https://www.duffthepsych.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.duffthepsych.com</a> You Tube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/duffthepsych" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/duffthepsych</a> Twitter:<a href="https://twitter.com/DuffThePsych" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/DuffThePsych</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/duffthepsych/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/duffthepsych/</a> Instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/duffthepsych" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.instagram.com/duffthepsych</a> And special thanks to my wife and caregiver Rebecca Gifford. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Parkinson Society BC      <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsBC?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsBC</a> Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

Parkinson’s and the Caregiver’s Journey | 11

In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s, Larry Gifford talks with three friends with Parkinson’s who set out to test the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual limits of the human body after diagnosis. What they discovered was that challenges in life, no matter how extreme, are easier and more rewarding when you build a community of support around you and allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to ask for help. For many people with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD), the Parkinson’s journey can start as a lonely, aimless, hopeless, and dark ride. It takes time to begin to see the light.  A year after his diagnosis in 2011, Tim Hague, then 45, applied for the first season of Amazing Race Canada with his son and won. His life and advocacy since then is quite an unsolvable dichotomy for Tim,“Parkinson's has given me far more than it's taken,” Hague says. “I mean, Parkinson's gave me the Amazing Race, The Amazing Race gave us a huge financial payout in winning it, right? It was in winning the race that threw open the door to speaking and that threw open the door to writing a book. And I mean, Parkinson's has been a massive blessing in our life. And that's really difficult to wrap your head around because I hate Parkinson's. I hate it with a passion. There's not been a single day I've ever woke up and thought I was happy to have Parkinson's.” Tim is the founder of U-Turn Parkinson’s, a Canadian charity with a mission to empower people living with Parkinson’s in their pursuit of wellness. Jimmy Choi was 27 when he was diagnosed. He spent eight years denying his Parkinson’s, before he began to take it seriously. He started with a walk around the block. That turned into a jog, a run and eventually he ran a 5K. In the 8 years that followed, he has competed in over 100 half-marathons, 15 marathons, an ultramarathon and raised over $250,000 for Parkinson’s research. His advocacy hit new heights when he appeared twice on the NBC TV show American Ninja Warrior. The further he gets along on his journey, the more realizes he is not alone, “I think for a person with Parkinson's, it all starts with being open, accepting, really comfortable telling their story and not afraid to ask for help. You know, don't be that stubborn person. Don't be Superman.” Bret Parker, 54, is the Executive Director of the New York Bar Association. He’s also known as the guy with Parkinson’s who ran seven marathons on seven continents, in seven days. “You know, it really, really was tough. I mean, it was really tough at times.” Parker painfully remembers struggle to finish the races. However, he did have an epiphany through it all, “I also realized that there's a point when relying on people is okay. I'm a very independent person. All of these events that I've done have been a part of: individual races and individual activities. You know, I'm not much of a team sports player, but it's okay to have people supporting you and cheering you on and leaning on them.” Parker’s personal mantra is “Do epic shit!” And he does. Each year, he raises money for Parkinson’s research by competing in extreme physical activities from skydiving and triathons to 100 mile bike rides in severe conditions. He’s personally raised more than $500,000 for the Michael J Fox Foundation. Thank you for listening. Add your voice to the show and leave a message for us here; https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to… Tim Hague can be found at www.TimSr.ca and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, he is @timhaguesr. He is also the founder of U-Turn Parkinson’s charity based in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada.  Sheryl Hague, Tim’s amazing wife and partner in Parkinson’s. Jimmy Choi is on The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Patient Council. Follow him on Twitter @JCThr33, check out his Facebook page or follow him in Instagram @JCFoxNinja. Bret Parker is the Co-Chair of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Patient Council. He’s @bretparker on Twitter. , Rebecca Gifford, my amazing wife and partner in Parkinson’s. Our presenting partner is Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter @ParkinsonCanada   Thanks also to our content and promotional partners Parkinson’s IQ + You– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation Spotlight YOPD – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 

In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s, Larry Gifford talks with three friends with Parkinson’s who set out to test the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual limits of the human body after diagnosis. What they discovered was that challenges in life, no matter how extreme, are easier and more rewarding when you build a community of support around you and allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to ask for help. For many people with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD), the Parkinson’s journey can start as a lonely, aimless, hopeless, and dark ride. It takes time to begin to see the light.  A year after his diagnosis in 2011, Tim Hague, then 45, applied for the first season of Amazing Race Canada with his son and won. His life and advocacy since then is quite an unsolvable dichotomy for Tim,“Parkinson's has given me far more than it's taken,” Hague says. “I mean, Parkinson's gave me the Amazing Race, The Amazing Race gave us a huge financial payout in winning it, right? It was in winning the race that threw open the door to speaking and that threw open the door to writing a book. And I mean, Parkinson's has been a massive blessing in our life. And that's really difficult to wrap your head around because I hate Parkinson's. I hate it with a passion. There's not been a single day I've ever woke up and thought I was happy to have Parkinson's.” Tim is the founder of U-Turn Parkinson’s, a Canadian charity with a mission to empower people living with Parkinson’s in their pursuit of wellness. Jimmy Choi was 27 when he was diagnosed. He spent eight years denying his Parkinson’s, before he began to take it seriously. He started with a walk around the block. That turned into a jog, a run and eventually he ran a 5K. In the 8 years that followed, he has competed in over 100 half-marathons, 15 marathons, an ultramarathon and raised over $250,000 for Parkinson’s research. His advocacy hit new heights when he appeared twice on the NBC TV show American Ninja Warrior. The further he gets along on his journey, the more realizes he is not alone, “I think for a person with Parkinson's, it all starts with being open, accepting, really comfortable telling their story and not afraid to ask for help. You know, don't be that stubborn person. Don't be Superman.” Bret Parker, 54, is the Executive Director of the New York Bar Association. He’s also known as the guy with Parkinson’s who ran seven marathons on seven continents, in seven days. “You know, it really, really was tough. I mean, it was really tough at times.” Parker painfully remembers struggle to finish the races. However, he did have an epiphany through it all, “I also realized that there's a point when relying on people is okay. I'm a very independent person. All of these events that I've done have been a part of: individual races and individual activities. You know, I'm not much of a team sports player, but it's okay to have people supporting you and cheering you on and leaning on them.” Parker’s personal mantra is “Do epic shit!” And he does. Each year, he raises money for Parkinson’s research by competing in extreme physical activities from skydiving and triathons to 100 mile bike rides in severe conditions. He’s personally raised more than $500,000 for the Michael J Fox Foundation. Thank you for listening. Add your voice to the show and leave a message for us here; <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a> Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to… Tim Hague can be found at <a href="http://www.TimSr.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.TimSr.ca</a> and on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TimHagueSr/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TimHagueSr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/timhaguesr/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, he is <a href="https://twitter.com/TimHagueSr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@timhaguesr</a>. He is also the founder of <a href="http://uturnparkinsons.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">U-Turn Parkinson’s</a> charity based in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada.  Sheryl Hague, Tim’s amazing wife and partner in Parkinson’s. Jimmy Choi is on <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Patient Council.</a> Follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/JCThr33" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@JCThr33</a>, check out his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jcfoxninja/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> or follow him in Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jcfoxninja/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@JCFoxNinja</a>. Bret Parker is the <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/bio/bret-parker" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Co-Chair</a> of <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Patient Council</a>. He’s <a href="https://twitter.com/bretparker?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@bretparker</a> on Twitter. , Rebecca Gifford, my amazing wife and partner in Parkinson’s. Our presenting partner is Parkinson Canada <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Thanks also to our content and promotional partners <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/parkinsons-iq-you" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s IQ + You</a>– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

Parkinson’s is an Extreme Challenge | 6

I’m a fairly hopeful guy. Sure, I have dark moments as we all do but, hope wins out more often than not. You might be wondering how I can have hope or be hopeful while dealing with an incurable, progressive brain disease like Parkinson’s. It’s a fair question. I don’t know that I have the answers, but in this episode I go about searching for a better understanding of the role that hope plays in the Parkinson’s community. What I discover is that hope is the one driving force that binds us all together. No matter if you are a person with Parkinson’s, a caregiver, a nurse, neurologist, physiotherapist, counselor, general practitioner or a support group leader we are all dealing in hope. Dr. Matt Farrer is a Professor of Medical Genetics and Molecular Neuroscience at Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre at the University of British Columbia. He is agenetic researcher who hopes his work will eradicate Parkinson’s. Last year, he mapped my genome and is set to reveal the results of those tests in this episode of the podcast. I also talk to Wendy Edey, a facilitator of Hope at “Hope Studies Central” at the University of Alberta, who has studied the impacts of hope as it relates to Parkinson’s disease. She says, “When you have hope you have the capacity to think about the future and be okay.” Someone who embodies the power of hope in my eyes is the Reverend Dixie Black. The Deacon of Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver has been living with a Parkinson’s diagnosis since 2013. “Hope means to me trust. Trust that however it goes, I’m not alone and I’ll be taken care of.” In the episode we talk about hope as a common denominator to science and spirituality, we explore the concept of hope, where to find hope, how to keep it and the role it plays in the living our best lives despite the Parkinson’s diagnosis.   I hope you listen.   Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you toDrMatt Farrer and the staff at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/. Follow the Centre for Brain Health on Twitter at @DMCBrainHealth.   Wendy Edey, Facilitor of Hope at “Hope Studies Central” https://sites.google.com/a/ualberta.ca/hope-studies/home Reverend Dixie Black, Deacon of Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver. Read and listen to her sermons here. And special thanks to my wife Rebecca Gifford. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

I’m a fairly hopeful guy. Sure, I have dark moments as we all do but, hope wins out more often than not. You might be wondering how I can have hope or be hopeful while dealing with an incurable, progressive brain disease like Parkinson’s. It’s a fair question. I don’t know that I have the answers, but in this episode I go about searching for a better understanding of the role that hope plays in the Parkinson’s community. What I discover is that hope is the one driving force that binds us all together. No matter if you are a person with Parkinson’s, a caregiver, a nurse, neurologist, physiotherapist, counselor, general practitioner or a support group leader we are all dealing in hope. Dr. Matt Farrer is a Professor of Medical Genetics and Molecular Neuroscience at Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre at the University of British Columbia. He is agenetic researcher who hopes his work will eradicate Parkinson’s. Last year, he mapped my genome and is set to reveal the results of those tests in this episode of the podcast. I also talk to Wendy Edey, a facilitator of Hope at “Hope Studies Central” at the University of Alberta, who has studied the impacts of hope as it relates to Parkinson’s disease. She says, “When you have hope you have the capacity to think about the future and be okay.” Someone who embodies the power of hope in my eyes is the Reverend Dixie Black. The Deacon of Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver has been living with a Parkinson’s diagnosis since 2013. “Hope means to me trust. Trust that however it goes, I’m not alone and I’ll be taken care of.” In the episode we talk about hope as a common denominator to science and spirituality, we explore the concept of hope, where to find hope, how to keep it and the role it plays in the living our best lives despite the Parkinson’s diagnosis. I hope you listen. Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you toDrMatt Farrer and the staff at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health <a href="https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/</a>. Follow the Centre for Brain Health on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/DMCBrainHealth" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@DMCBrainHealth</a>.  Wendy Edey, Facilitor of Hope at “Hope Studies Central” <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/ualberta.ca/hope-studies/home" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://sites.google.com/a/ualberta.ca/hope-studies/home</a> <a href="https://thecathedral.ca/people/rev-dixie-black/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Reverend Dixie Black</a>, Deacon of Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver. <a href="https://thecathedral.ca/sermon-speaker/dixie-black/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read and listen to her sermons here.</a> And special thanks to my wife Rebecca Gifford. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Parkinson Society BC      <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsBC?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsBC</a> Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

Finding Hope in Parkinson’s | 12

In this episode, Niki and I talk to my colleagues and bosses about how their adjusting to my PD diagnosis, get advice from my neurologist Dr. Jonathon Squires, Neuropsychologist Dr. Robert Duff, and employment lawyer Lior Samfiru. I also chat with Jim Redmond about being a teacher with PD and Jonny Acheson about adjustments he’s had to make as an emergency room doctor who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to Kathryn Stewart, Dustin Collins, Dr. Jonathon Squires, Jim Redmond, Jonny Acheson, and Troy Reeb. Also Thank you to @SickboyPodcast – check them out here http://sickboypodcast.com/ Follow them on Twitter Brian Stever                     @SteverBrian Taylor MacGillvary           @Taymacgillivary Jeremie Saunders           @JeremieSaunders Dr. Robert Duff from The Hardcore Self Help Podcast Website: https://www.duffthepsych.com You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/duffthepsych Twitter:https://twitter.com/DuffThePsych Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duffthepsych/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/duffthepsych   Lior Samfiru B. A. (hons.), LL.B., partner Samfiru Tumarkin LLP Website: www.stlawyers.ca Twitter: https://twitter.com/stlawyers And special thanks to my wife Rebecca Gifford. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ Here is a link to an article about Young Onset Parkinson’s which also discusses employment The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

In this episode, Niki and I talk to my colleagues and bosses about how their adjusting to my PD diagnosis, get advice from my neurologist Dr. Jonathon Squires, Neuropsychologist Dr. Robert Duff, and employment lawyer Lior Samfiru. I also chat with Jim Redmond about being a teacher with PD and Jonny Acheson about adjustments he’s had to make as an emergency room doctor who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to Kathryn Stewart, Dustin Collins, Dr. Jonathon Squires, Jim Redmond, Jonny Acheson, and Troy Reeb. Also Thank you to @SickboyPodcast – check them out here <a href="http://sickboypodcast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://sickboypodcast.com/</a> Follow them on Twitter Brian Stever                     @SteverBrian Taylor MacGillvary           @Taymacgillivary Jeremie Saunders           @JeremieSaunders Dr. Robert Duff from <a href="https://www.duffthepsych.com/hsh-podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Hardcore Self Help Podcast</a> Website: <a href="https://www.duffthepsych.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.duffthepsych.com</a> You Tube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/duffthepsych" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/duffthepsych</a> Twitter:<a href="https://twitter.com/DuffThePsych" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/DuffThePsych</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/duffthepsych/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/duffthepsych/</a> Instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/duffthepsych" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.instagram.com/duffthepsych</a> Lior Samfiru B. A. (hons.), LL.B., partner Samfiru Tumarkin LLP Website: <a href="http://www.stlawyers.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.stlawyers.ca</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/stlawyers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/stlawyers</a> And special thanks to my wife Rebecca Gifford. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> <a href="https://www.parkinson.ca/about-parkinsons/young-onset-parkinsons-disease" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here is a link to an article about Young Onset Parkinson’s which also discusses employment</a> The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Parkinson Society BC      <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsBC?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsBC</a> Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

Parkinson’s Doesn’t Have to be a Career Killer | 10

In this episode, we discuss what it is like to a get a diagnosis of Parkinson’s in the prime of your life when you are happily married with four kids and had been anticipating a return to full time work after a tour of duty has a full time Mom. On her website, www.kittyfitton.com , she says, “I am a comedian, Aviation fiend, Air-Scout leader, mother, wife, friend, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. It’s the last thing that’s the real kick in the guts, but also the thing that has helped to transform my life from humdrum to extraordinary.” What I like so much about Kitty is that she is real, authentic and vulnerable. I relate a lot to her story. Kitty was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in early 2016. Originally, from North of England, Kitty and her husband Craig have been raising their four kids in New Zealand since 2011. When the diagnosis came, Kitty admits she cried for days. A visit from a Parkinson’s New Zealand associate gave her the information and inspiration she needed to move forward. Kitty admits though, she and Craig often say they like the taste of sand, because all too often they put their heads in the sand when it comes to the realities of Parkinson’s disease. In the past year, if they are being honest with each other about the PD, Kitty and Craig have noticed changes. Her gait is more pronounced and she uses poles for tramping. They both also notice her face is a bit droopier and more masked than a year ago at this time. Kitty remembers a time, pre-diagnosis; they used to sit out back, with a glass of wine, under the stars, planning grand tours of Europe. But, at some point that stopped dreaming about the future and now fear it or don’t discuss it at all. After all, when it comes to future planning, fears of disease progression can be paralyzing. In a recent conversation, Kitty says Craig lamented that because of the Parkinson’s they could not plan anymore. She argued, “I can still do stuff.” Admittedly, she is slower, but she still dreams, still plans and still has a lot of living to do. That being said, Kitty does fear the days when she will need more assistance, “I’m terrified of losing cognitive ability and of not being independent.” However, she has warned her husband about one thing, “If you ever tell someone you are my carer in public, I will punch you.”  These honest, tearful and hysterical moments of conversation between spouses, exchanging fears and assumptions, are happening with couples and families dealing with Parkinson’s around the world. I thank Kitty sharing her story and for giving us a peek inside her family life. No matter how different our journeys may be, the conversations couples and families have through tears and fears is universal and makes us all feel a bit more normal when we realize we aren’t the only ones who stopped dreaming about vacations or who’ve come to the conclusion that denial tastes a lot like sand. If you have a comment or question about the podcast, you can email usparkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca We invite you to add your voice to the show and leave a message for us here;https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmayer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Special thanks to…  Niki Reitmayer for picking up the slack, while I recover from some random non-PD health stuff. Kitty Fitton. Follow her on twitter @kitty_fitton, or go to her website https://www.kittyfitton.com/ The book from Parkinson’s New Zealand that Kitty referenced is available as a PDF download on the web. Just click here “Guide to Newly Diagnosed.” For more info on our presenting partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/Toll Free Hotline 1-800-565-3000 or follow them on Twitter @ParkinsonCanada Thanks also to our content and promotional partners Parkinson’s IQ + You– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation Spotlight YOPD – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease. 

In this episode, we discuss what it is like to a get a diagnosis of Parkinson’s in the prime of your life when you are happily married with four kids and had been anticipating a return to full time work after a tour of duty has a full time Mom. On her website, <a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=3D4Rs7cC8GrnFTlwP-g2AOyIpByrOmCFsRulTro5pgV3OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtpdHR5Zml0dG9uLmNvbQ.." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.kittyfitton.com</a> , she says, “I am a comedian, Aviation fiend, <a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=CK1gIIEJxVG4X2xnS6FR3icnQo4P9MVQAf0mB0NI7453OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwczovL3dhaWthbmFlc2NvdXRzLmNvbS9haXItc2NvdXRz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Air-Scout </a>leader, mother, wife, friend, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. It’s the last thing that’s the real kick in the guts, but also the thing that has helped to transform my life from humdrum to extraordinary.” What I like so much about Kitty is that she is real, authentic and vulnerable. I relate a lot to her story. Kitty was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in early 2016. Originally, from North of England, Kitty and her husband Craig have been raising their four kids in New Zealand since 2011. When the diagnosis came, Kitty admits she cried for days. A visit from a Parkinson’s New Zealand associate gave her the information and inspiration she needed to move forward. Kitty admits though, she and Craig often say they like the taste of sand, because all too often they put their heads in the sand when it comes to the realities of Parkinson’s disease. In the past year, if they are being honest with each other about the PD, Kitty and Craig have noticed changes. Her gait is more pronounced and she uses poles for tramping. They both also notice her face is a bit droopier and more masked than a year ago at this time. Kitty remembers a time, pre-diagnosis; they used to sit out back, with a glass of wine, under the stars, planning grand tours of Europe. But, at some point that stopped dreaming about the future and now fear it or don’t discuss it at all. After all, when it comes to future planning, fears of disease progression can be paralyzing. In a recent conversation, Kitty says Craig lamented that because of the Parkinson’s they could not plan anymore. She argued, “I can still do stuff.” Admittedly, she is slower, but she still dreams, still plans and still has a lot of living to do. That being said, Kitty does fear the days when she will need more assistance, “I’m terrified of losing cognitive ability and of not being independent.” However, she has warned her husband about one thing, “If you ever tell someone you are my carer in public, I will punch you.”  These honest, tearful and hysterical moments of conversation between spouses, exchanging fears and assumptions, are happening with couples and families dealing with Parkinson’s around the world. I thank Kitty sharing her story and for giving us a peek inside her family life. No matter how different our journeys may be, the conversations couples and families have through tears and fears is universal and makes us all feel a bit more normal when we realize we aren’t the only ones who stopped dreaming about vacations or who’ve come to the conclusion that denial tastes a lot like sand. If you have a comment or question about the podcast, you can email us<a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=0VxlCYvNIhE-9Nv0-5cDKGv8neNjCngrXbaYPHFv6aB3OAdYp3LXCAFtYWlsdG86cGFya2luc29uc3BvZEBjdXJpb3VzY2FzdC5jYQ.." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca</a> We invite you to add your voice to the show and leave a message for us here;<a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=4JLOSv5uq35_0lZ4JU6O1h_baZ7NEjQBnq8uxGeHIhh3OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwczovL3d3dy5zcGVha3BpcGUuY29tL1doZW5MaWZlR2l2ZXNZb3VQYXJraW5zb25z" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a> Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=CIFIfqXkCwm0a5Zlpgj3OfvSL2tLEe9zajJx9Hg3FZJ3OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwczovL3R3aXR0ZXIuY29tL1BhcmtpbnNvbnNQb2Q." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=tsS6Mbie9kZGHo5bQQQy3iu4IDN7bjbTvxtdGG35Gtl3OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vUGFya2luc29uc1BvZC8." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=_-YmDWTCfUMwCl7d3gCS-40gTIJsUz6eWd3dfwqjOY93OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwczovL3d3dy5pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL3BhcmtpbnNvbnNwb2Qv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmayer Twitter: <a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=3b8I7ZUdOAICKh_e951D9tzaOAlPkIcgrl0iw_Jseoh3OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwczovL3R3aXR0ZXIuY29tL25pa2lfcmVpdG1heWVyP2xhbmc9ZW4." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Special thanks to…  Niki Reitmayer for picking up the slack, while I recover from some random non-PD health stuff. Kitty Fitton. Follow her on twitter @kitty_fitton, or go to her website <a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=WOly4-HlB-lbRLajKLu1ED6bN3Sy1F7XpBpe750oeip3OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwczovL3d3dy5raXR0eWZpdHRvbi5jb20v" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.kittyfitton.com/</a> The book from Parkinson’s New Zealand that Kitty referenced is available as a PDF download on the web. Just click here “<a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=VY0KWI94wGmVhwovMZCJUP4YNbP4RF5ocNdfP_oEmKJ3OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwczovL3d3dy5wYXJraW5zb25zLm9yZy5uei9zaXRlcy9kZWZhdWx0L2ZpbGVzLzIwMTktMDEvTmV3bHklMjUyMERpYWdub3NlZCUyNTIwV0VCJTI1MjAyLnBkZg.." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guide to Newly Diagnosed</a>.” For more info on our presenting partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=sBR0Az9XCBG0iqw_irmix6Iy3XinbPURk3OUuka6-1Z3OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnBhcmtpbnNvbi5jYS8." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a>Toll Free Hotline 1-800-565-3000 or follow them on Twitter <a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=m0opjFPKp5Z5eELQRA6px-6r1n-4isHtB5ykdiIDKXN3OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwczovL3R3aXR0ZXIuY29tL1BhcmtpbnNvbkNhbmFkYT9sYW5nPWVu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Thanks also to our content and promotional partners <a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=qVDDQtnwL8ZYmYMDnKVEjb2OLqHqRRAPawk6FBRLhAp3OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwczovL3d3dy5taWNoYWVsamZveC5vcmcvcGFya2luc29ucy1pcS15b3U." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s IQ + You</a>– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation <a href="https://mail.corusent.com/owa/redir.aspx?REF=jdwvhbS9ynD6EoZ4UB-0gfoB2Z7x4sXK4jBTRsYlWvh3OAdYp3LXCAFodHRwczovL3Nwb3RsaWdodHlvcGQub3JnLw.." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s is a family affair | 7

In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s, I put the old adage “laughter is the best medicine” to the test. I go through improvisational comedy training and perform live on stage for the first time in nearly thirty years. Plus, I connect with four people who live with Parkinson’s; Glenn Lurie, Kitty Fitton, Phil “Badger” Smith and Paul Mayhew-Archer. They all have turned to stand-up comedy after their PD diagnosis. Paul Mayhew-Archer, star of the one-man show “Incurable Optimist,” admits he gets a pleasant dopamine rush on stage, but he says it’s not the same as medicine, “So, I mean, they say that laughter is the best medicine. And, you know, it's rubbish, because in my case Sinemet is the best medicine. But laughter is certainly pretty high up on the list.” Sinemet is the brand name of Carbidopa-Levodopa, the gold-standard treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Aside from the dopamine hit, comedian Phil “Badger” Smith has discovered it helps with some specific symptoms of Parkinson’s, “Apart from anything else helps of practicing speech and confidence and helps to battle depression and anxiety. Because you're performing and if people are laughing at your jokes, it gives you a real buzz.” I participated in a series of three workshops called “Improv for Parkinson’s” at Vancouver Theatre SportsImprov Comedy Institute, which concluded with a live performance. For me, performing on stage was such a rush, it triggered a bloody nose as soon as I stepped on stage and heard the applause and roar of the crowd. I had to excuse myself before introductions. I quickly shoved tissue up my nostril and clamped my nostrils shut and returned to the stage. After all, they show must go, but more importantly, improv training taught us to roll with the punches. With Parkinson’s, improv and life, the more you can be in the present moment and react to what is right in front of you, the easier it all becomes. Improvisational comedy and Parkinson’s was the focus of a first-of-its-kind research projectat North Western University in 2017 in conjunction with the Second City School of Improvisation in Chicago. The results show that despite common amotivation and symptomatic apathy and unlike therapies and exercise classes, the improv workshops were well attended and enjoyed among patients of PD of varying ages and disease severity. In regards to measures of efficacy, the only variable that improved significantly was the change in UPDRS part II, which focuses on how difficult the activities of daily living are for people with Parkinson’s. Researchers believe this preliminary finding may be a result of the humor and games that aimed at improving communications skills, stigma, anxiety and quality of life. More research will need to be done before the positive impacts of improv on Parkinson’s are confirmed.   Thank you for listening. Add your voice to the show and leave a message for us here; https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to… Vancouver TheatreSports Improv Comedy Dan Dumsha Improv performer, instructorand executive coachhas a website www.dandumsha.comand can be found on Facebook @Dan.Dumsha, twitter@dandumshaand Instagram @dandumsha Johnny Kerrigan is in the Vancouver TheatreSports rookie league. My Improv Troupe  Norm Blain Creston Froats Peter Jarvis Geoff Cohen Richard Froese John Hougan  Glenn Lurie is living in North Carolina. Here is a link to the articlethat first peaked my interest in Glenn. You can follow him on Facebook @Glennluriecomedianand twitter @GMLurie. Kitty Fitton can be found at her website www.kittyfitton.comand you can follower her on twitter @kitty_fitton Phil “Badger” Smith on twitter @phil_badger Paul Mayhew-Archer has a website http://mayhew-archer.com/and is on twitter @mayhewarcher Rebecca Gifford, my wife and partner in Parkinson’s, who always laughs at my jokes. Our presenting partner is Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter @ParkinsonCanada   Thanks also to our content and promotional partners Parkinson’s IQ + You– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation Spotlight YOPD– The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.    Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Sound Design

In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s, I put the old adage “laughter is the best medicine” to the test. I go through improvisational comedy training and perform live on stage for the first time in nearly thirty years. Plus, I connect with four people who live with Parkinson’s; Glenn Lurie, Kitty Fitton, Phil “Badger” Smith and Paul Mayhew-Archer. They all have turned to stand-up comedy after their PD diagnosis. <a href="http://mayhew-archer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Mayhew-Archer</a>, star of the one-man show “Incurable Optimist,” admits he gets a pleasant dopamine rush on stage, but he says it’s not the same as medicine, “So, I mean, they say that laughter is the best medicine. And, you know, it's rubbish, because in my case Sinemet is the best medicine. But laughter is certainly pretty high up on the list.” Sinemet is the brand name of Carbidopa-Levodopa, the gold-standard treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Aside from the dopamine hit, comedian Phil “Badger” Smith has discovered it helps with some specific symptoms of Parkinson’s, “Apart from anything else helps of practicing speech and confidence and helps to battle depression and anxiety. Because you're performing and if people are laughing at your jokes, it gives you a real buzz.” I participated in a series of three workshops called “Improv for Parkinson’s” at <a href="https://www.vtsl.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vancouver Theatre Sports</a>Improv Comedy Institute, which concluded with a live performance. For me, performing on stage was such a rush, it triggered a bloody nose as soon as I stepped on stage and heard the applause and roar of the crowd. I had to excuse myself before introductions. I quickly shoved tissue up my nostril and clamped my nostrils shut and returned to the stage. After all, they show must go, but more importantly, improv training taught us to roll with the punches. With Parkinson’s, improv and life, the more you can be in the present moment and react to what is right in front of you, the easier it all becomes. Improvisational comedy and Parkinson’s was the focus of <a href="https://www.prd-journal.com/article/S1353-8020(16)30432-1/fulltext" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a first-of-its-kind research project</a>at North Western University in 2017 in conjunction with the Second City School of Improvisation in Chicago. The results show that despite common amotivation and symptomatic apathy and unlike therapies and exercise classes, the improv workshops were well attended and enjoyed among patients of PD of varying ages and disease severity. In regards to measures of efficacy, the only variable that improved significantly was the change in UPDRS part II, which focuses on how difficult the activities of daily living are for people with Parkinson’s. Researchers believe this preliminary finding may be a result of the humor and games that aimed at improving communications skills, stigma, anxiety and quality of life. More research will need to be done before the positive impacts of improv on Parkinson’s are confirmed. Thank you for listening. Add your voice to the show and leave a message for us here; <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a> Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to… <a href="https://www.vtsl.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vancouver TheatreSports Improv Comedy</a> Dan Dumsha <a href="https://www.vtsl.com/people/dan-dumsha/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Improv performer, instructor</a>and <a href="http://humphreygroup.com/dan-dumsha" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">executive coach</a>has a website <a href="http://www.dandumsha.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.dandumsha.com</a>and can be found on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dan.dumsha/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Dan.Dumsha</a>, twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/dandumsha" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@dandumsha</a>and Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dandumsha" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@dandumsha</a> Johnny Kerrigan is in the <a href="https://www.vtsl.com/people/john-kerrigan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vancouver TheatreSports rookie league</a>. My Improv Troupe <ul> <li>Norm Blain</li> <li>Creston Froats</li> <li>Peter Jarvis</li> <li>Geoff Cohen</li> <li>Richard Froese</li> <li>John Hougan</li> </ul> Glenn Lurie is living in North Carolina. Here is a link to <a href="https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article227312919.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the article</a>that first peaked my interest in Glenn. You can follow him on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/glennluriecomedian/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Glennluriecomedian</a>and twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/GMLurie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@GMLurie</a>. Kitty Fitton can be found at her website <a href="http://www.kittyfitton.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.kittyfitton.com</a>and you can follower her on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/kitty_fitton" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@kitty_fitton</a> Phil “Badger” Smith on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Badger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@phil_badger</a> Paul Mayhew-Archer has a website <a href="http://mayhew-archer.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://mayhew-archer.com/</a>and is on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Badger" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@mayhewarcher</a> Rebecca Gifford, my wife and partner in Parkinson’s, who always laughs at my jokes. Our presenting partner is Parkinson Canada <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Thanks also to our content and promotional partners <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/parkinsons-iq-you" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s IQ + You</a>– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a>– The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.  Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Sound Design

They Say Laughter is the Best Medicine

In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s I talk with three friends about Deep Brain Stimulation. Becca Miller is contemplating it, David Sangster just had it and Jim Smerdon had it five years ago. “You hear everything,” said Jim Smerdon of Vancouver, B.C. when I asked what he heard when doctors drilled a hole through his skull and into his brain. “It was the clearest memory I’ve ever had of anything of my life.” Jim was awake for the first five hours of Deep Brain Stimulation to treat his Parkinson’s disease. My neurologist told my wife and I that if my motor symptoms and dyskinesia from carbidopa-levodopa do not level off in six months, we will add my name to the DBS evaluation list. The wait time for evaluation in British Columbia is three years and currently there is just one doctor who performs surgery here. “Deep Brain Stimulation is considered the most commonly performed surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease,” said Jamie Hamilton, senior associate director of research programs for the Michael J Fox Foundation. Hamilton explains that DBS is an invasive procedure which implants electrodes deep in the brain. The electrodes are controlled by a neurostimulator which is surgically implanted into his chest and sends electric impulses to specific targets in the brain. Becca is a single mom of a 7-year old. She is scared to have DBS while her daughter is so young. But, she understands the benefits, “…that sounds just amazing. It feels like in some ways, you know, in some ways it's like a last resort and in other ways it feels like a reset. And a gift of time.”   For David, it has been life changing. He’s back to playing with his kids, being an equal partner to his wife and playing piano. “It’s amazing,” says David. “I can be there when my kids need me - every time. (I can) take them to school, drive the car, and make them cereal. It’s also being there for my wife and being more of a person than I used to be.” Jim was able to completely come off the carbidopa-levodopa for a year. But, his wife Deana Grinnell says he’s back up to 8 or 9 pills per day. That’s fewer than the 20 or so he was on prior to surgery by the dyskinesia is back. “His disease is progressing,” Deana said. “It’s effecting his balance. His speech is getting softer. It’s just marching on.” Thank you for listening. Add your voice to the show and leave a message for us here; https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to… Becca Miller Jim Smerdon and Deana Grinnell David and Jane Sangster Jamie Hamilton, Senior Associate Director of research programs for the Michael J. Fox Foundation www.michaeljfox.org Rebecca Gifford, my amazing wife. Henry Gifford, Captain Awesome (Our son). Our presenting partner Parkinson Canada offers more information on DBS and advanced srugerycal therapies for Parkinson’s here https://www.parkinson.ca/event/advanced-surgical-therapies-dbs-and-duodopa/ or  head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada           @ParkinsonCanada Thanks also to our content and promotional partners Parkinson’s IQ + You– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation Spotlight YOPD – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 

In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s I talk with three friends about Deep Brain Stimulation. Becca Miller is contemplating it, David Sangster just had it and Jim Smerdon had it five years ago. “You hear everything,” said Jim Smerdon of Vancouver, B.C. when I asked what he heard when doctors drilled a hole through his skull and into his brain. “It was the clearest memory I’ve ever had of anything of my life.” Jim was awake for the first five hours of Deep Brain Stimulation to treat his Parkinson’s disease. My neurologist told my wife and I that if my motor symptoms and dyskinesia from carbidopa-levodopa do not level off in six months, we will add my name to the DBS evaluation list. The wait time for evaluation in British Columbia is three years and currently there is just one doctor who performs surgery here. “Deep Brain Stimulation is considered the most commonly performed surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease,” said Jamie Hamilton, senior associate director of research programs for the Michael J Fox Foundation. Hamilton explains that DBS is an invasive procedure which implants electrodes deep in the brain. The electrodes are controlled by a neurostimulator which is surgically implanted into his chest and sends electric impulses to specific targets in the brain. Becca is a single mom of a 7-year old. She is scared to have DBS while her daughter is so young. But, she understands the benefits, “…that sounds just amazing. It feels like in some ways, you know, in some ways it's like a last resort and in other ways it feels like a reset. And a gift of time.”   For David, it has been life changing. He’s back to playing with his kids, being an equal partner to his wife and playing piano. “It’s amazing,” says David. “I can be there when my kids need me - every time. (I can) take them to school, drive the car, and make them cereal. It’s also being there for my wife and being more of a person than I used to be.” Jim was able to completely come off the carbidopa-levodopa for a year. But, his wife Deana Grinnell says he’s back up to 8 or 9 pills per day. That’s fewer than the 20 or so he was on prior to surgery by the dyskinesia is back. “His disease is progressing,” Deana said. “It’s effecting his balance. His speech is getting softer. It’s just marching on.” Thank you for listening. Add your voice to the show and leave a message for us here; <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a> Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to… Becca Miller Jim Smerdon and Deana Grinnell David and Jane Sangster Jamie Hamilton, Senior Associate Director of research programs for the Michael J. Fox Foundation <a href="http://www.michaeljfox.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.michaeljfox.org</a> Rebecca Gifford, my amazing wife. Henry Gifford, Captain Awesome (Our son). Our presenting partner Parkinson Canada offers more information on DBS and advanced srugerycal therapies for Parkinson’s here <a href="https://www.parkinson.ca/event/advanced-surgical-therapies-dbs-and-duodopa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.parkinson.ca/event/advanced-surgical-therapies-dbs-and-duodopa/</a> or  head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada           <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Thanks also to our content and promotional partners <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/parkinsons-iq-you" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s IQ + You</a>– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

Deep Brain Stimulation, is it worth it? | 5

I will introduce you to Jeanette and Barry Pynn. They are friends of Rebecca and mine that just went through a gut-wrenching couple of years dealing with a misdiagnosis. Jeanette was a runner for her whole life. After decades of raising kids, a great marriage, and dreams of traveling and enjoying the final decades of life together, Jeanette’s gait changed. “I couldn’t flatten my foot out during a run,” she says. Doctors treated her foot issues for years through orthotics and creams. Three years later, the whole left side of her body shutdown after jumping into the Adriatic Sea. Something was definitely wrong. After months of tests, Jeanette received a diagnosis in the Parkinsonian family that she was not expecting: Multiple System Atrophy, also known as MSA. It carries similar symptoms to Parkinson’s but is more aggressive, has a quicker progression and is deadly. The Mayo Clinic reports people with MSA typically live seven to ten years after symptom onset. This is an important fact that Jeanette and Barry did not know and a vital detail that her neurologist failed to mention. Barry remembers leaving the appointment somewhat encouraged, “When we heard that it might be a relative of Parkinson's, it was actually it was a relief.”  That relief quickly gave way to fear, when Jeanette was waiting for her new prescriptions at Costco surfing the internet, “I was reading up on the disease and I looked over at Barry and I said, I don't think this is very good. And he said, In what way? And I said, I think you better read this because I can't I can't really explain it to you.” After two years of wrestling with the diagnosis, the disease, and her own impending death, Jeanette and Barry reached out for help. They were in search of support, community, information, context and understanding. Rebecca and I met Barry in the Spring of 2019 at the annual meeting for the Parkinson Society of British Columbia. They were listeners to the podcast and had traveled from Bowen Island, because they read we would be at the event and they wanted to connect. We chatted, they shared their story, and soon we discovered we got along. We became fast friends. And in the back of our heads, we understood we were entering into a friendship with Jeanette, at least, was a proposition that wouldn’t likely survive the next decade. Rebecca’s cell phone rang on a Saturday morning in September last year. It was Jeanette. She had seen a new neurologist, a movement disorder specialist, at the UBC Brain Centre. “She said that it's most likely certain that I have Parkinson's disease and not MSA.” Jeanette continued through tears, “Whoever thought they'd be so happy to have Parkinson’s?” The misdiagnosis of MSA is certainly not rare. A 2015 study featured on Neurology.org examined 134 autopsied brains of people who were clinically diagnosed MSA while living and only 63% had the correct diagnosis at death. As it relates to Parkinson’s disease, a new Parkinson’s UK study shows 25% of people with Parkinson’s are misdiagnosed. A third of those were given medication for an illness they didn’t have and a 10% underwent a needless operation or procedure. Misdiagnosis is likely to continue until researchers discover reliable biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s and related disease. Feel free to comment by leaving us a voice message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to our special guests:  Jeanette Fisher Pynn Barry Pynn Wendy Edey, Facilitor of Hope at “Hope Studies Central” https://sites.google.com/a/ualberta.ca/hope-studies/home Dr. Jonathon Squires at Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health  Dr. Stuart Factor, Director of Movement Disorders Program at Emory University School of Medicine. Rebeca Gifford Our presenting partner is Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Follow them on Twitter @ParkinsonCanada Find the new Parkinson Clinical Guideline www.parkinsonclinicalguideline.ca Thanks also to our content and promotional partners Parkinson’s IQ + You– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation Spotlight YOPD – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 

I will introduce you to Jeanette and Barry Pynn. They are friends of Rebecca and mine that just went through a gut-wrenching couple of years dealing with a misdiagnosis. Jeanette was a runner for her whole life. After decades of raising kids, a great marriage, and dreams of traveling and enjoying the final decades of life together, Jeanette’s gait changed. “I couldn’t flatten my foot out during a run,” she says. Doctors treated her foot issues for years through orthotics and creams. Three years later, the whole left side of her body shutdown after jumping into the Adriatic Sea. Something was definitely wrong. After months of tests, Jeanette received a diagnosis in the Parkinsonian family that she was not expecting: Multiple System Atrophy, also known as MSA. It carries similar symptoms to Parkinson’s but is more aggressive, has a quicker progression and is deadly. The Mayo Clinic reports people with MSA typically live seven to ten years after symptom onset. This is an important fact that Jeanette and Barry did not know and a vital detail that her neurologist failed to mention. Barry remembers leaving the appointment somewhat encouraged, “When we heard that it might be a relative of Parkinson's, it was actually it was a relief.”  That relief quickly gave way to fear, when Jeanette was waiting for her new prescriptions at Costco surfing the internet, “I was reading up on the disease and I looked over at Barry and I said, I don't think this is very good. And he said, In what way? And I said, I think you better read this because I can't I can't really explain it to you.” After two years of wrestling with the diagnosis, the disease, and her own impending death, Jeanette and Barry reached out for help. They were in search of support, community, information, context and understanding. Rebecca and I met Barry in the Spring of 2019 at the annual meeting for the Parkinson Society of British Columbia. They were listeners to the podcast and had traveled from Bowen Island, because they read we would be at the event and they wanted to connect. We chatted, they shared their story, and soon we discovered we got along. We became fast friends. And in the back of our heads, we understood we were entering into a friendship with Jeanette, at least, was a proposition that wouldn’t likely survive the next decade. Rebecca’s cell phone rang on a Saturday morning in September last year. It was Jeanette. She had seen a new neurologist, a movement disorder specialist, at the UBC Brain Centre. “She said that it's most likely certain that I have Parkinson's disease and not MSA.” Jeanette continued through tears, “Whoever thought they'd be so happy to have Parkinson’s?” The misdiagnosis of MSA is certainly not rare. <a href="https://n.neurology.org/content/85/5/404" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A 2015 study featured on Neurology.org</a> examined 134 autopsied brains of people who were clinically diagnosed MSA while living and only 63% had the correct diagnosis at death. As it relates to Parkinson’s disease, a new <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/dec/30/quarter-of-parkinsons-sufferers-were-wrongly-diagnosed-says-charity" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s UK study</a> shows 25% of people with Parkinson’s are misdiagnosed. A third of those were given medication for an illness they didn’t have and a 10% underwent a needless operation or procedure. Misdiagnosis is likely to continue until researchers discover reliable biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s and related disease. Feel free to comment by leaving us a voice message here: <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a> Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to our special guests:  Jeanette Fisher Pynn Barry Pynn Wendy Edey, Facilitor of Hope at “Hope Studies Central” <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/ualberta.ca/hope-studies/home" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://sites.google.com/a/ualberta.ca/hope-studies/home</a> Dr. Jonathon Squires at <a href="https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/farrer-matthew" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health </a> Dr. Stuart Factor, Director of <a href="http://neurology.emory.edu/programs_centers/programs/movement/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Movement Disorders Program at Emory University School of Medicine</a>. Rebeca Gifford Our presenting partner is Parkinson Canada <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Follow them on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Find the new Parkinson Clinical Guideline <a href="http://www.parkinsonclinicalguideline.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.parkinsonclinicalguideline.ca</a> Thanks also to our content and promotional partners <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/parkinsons-iq-you" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s IQ + You</a>– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

Misdiagnosis

This is a special bonus episode of the When Life Gives You Parkinson’s podcast which we are calling “Extra Dosage.” Full episodes of Season 2 are available every other Wednesday.  Every six months, I visit Dr. Jonathon Squires at UBC’s Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. He is my neurologist and movement disorder specialist. Last week, my wife Rebecca and I sat down with him after our examination and interviewed him for the podcast. We talk about my symptom progression, my medicine regiment, DBS, biomarkers, what a cure will likely look like, stem cells, and the role stress might play in disease progression and symptom management. Even though my motor symptoms are beginning to appear on both my right and left side, in general the tremor and gate issues are stabilized year over year. I am however collecting non-motor symptoms with gusto including exhaustion, anxiety, active dreaming, insomnia, hot flashes, excessive sweating, constipation and bladder urgency. I regularly have difficulty recalling proper nouns and names or short-term instructions, weekend plans, etc. Rebecca noted to Dr. Squires that when I’m “off,” I often will be in a zone or bubble completely unaware of what’s happening around me and not hearing what she says. I am also dealing with neuropathy, dystonia and dyskinesia. In an effort to tackle a few of the more annoying symptoms, Dr. Squires increased my carbidopa-levodopa again. I am now taking five times a day, every four hours, with an optional sixth time in the middle of the night. He also added a sedative, an anti-depressant, a laxative, and Vitamin B Complex. All in – vitamins, supplements, medications and probiotics, I am swallowing more than 200 pills and capsules a week. The good news is medicine works and allows me to be a husband and ad, work, advocate and live life.  Due to the increased meds and dyskinesia, we begin to talk about deep brain stimulation (DBS) with Dr. Squires, what the time line is for me before needing DBS, and what risks I may have. If you have a comment or question about the podcast, you can email us: parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca We invite you to add your voice to the show and leave a message for us here; https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmayer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Special thanks to…  Dr. Jonathon Squires, Movement Disorder Specialist, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at University of British Columbia Rebecca Gifford, my wife. For more info on our presenting partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter @ParkinsonCanada Thanks also to our content and promotional partners Parkinson’s IQ + You– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation Spotlight YOPD – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease. 

This is a special bonus episode of the When Life Gives You Parkinson’s podcast which we are calling “Extra Dosage.” Full episodes of Season 2 are available every other Wednesday. Every six months, I visit Dr. Jonathon Squires at UBC’s Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. He is my neurologist and movement disorder specialist. Last week, my wife Rebecca and I sat down with him after our examination and interviewed him for the podcast. We talk about my symptom progression, my medicine regiment, DBS, biomarkers, what a cure will likely look like, stem cells, and the role stress might play in disease progression and symptom management. Even though my motor symptoms are beginning to appear on both my right and left side, in general the tremor and gate issues are stabilized year over year. I am however collecting non-motor symptoms with gusto including exhaustion, anxiety, active dreaming, insomnia, hot flashes, excessive sweating, constipation and bladder urgency. I regularly have difficulty recalling proper nouns and names or short-term instructions, weekend plans, etc. Rebecca noted to Dr. Squires that when I’m “off,” I often will be in a zone or bubble completely unaware of what’s happening around me and not hearing what she says. I am also dealing with neuropathy, dystonia and dyskinesia. In an effort to tackle a few of the more annoying symptoms, Dr. Squires increased my carbidopa-levodopa again. I am now taking five times a day, every four hours, with an optional sixth time in the middle of the night. He also added a sedative, an anti-depressant, a laxative, and Vitamin B Complex. All in – vitamins, supplements, medications and probiotics, I am swallowing more than 200 pills and capsules a week. The good news is medicine works and allows me to be a husband and ad, work, advocate and live life.  Due to the increased meds and dyskinesia, we begin to talk about deep brain stimulation (DBS) with Dr. Squires, what the time line is for me before needing DBS, and what risks I may have. If you have a comment or question about the podcast, you can email us: <a href="mailto:parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca">parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca</a> We invite you to add your voice to the show and leave a message for us here; <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a> Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmayer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Special thanks to… Dr. Jonathon Squires, Movement Disorder Specialist, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at University of British Columbia Rebecca Gifford, my wife. For more info on our presenting partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Thanks also to our content and promotional partners <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/parkinsons-iq-you" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s IQ + You</a>– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease.

Extra Dosage 4: A visit with my neurologist

This is a special bonus episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s which we are calling “Extra Dosage.” Full episodes will be release every other Wednesday. In between, Niki and I will share new information, original interviews and extra material that provide more context to topics raised in the previous episodes of the podcast. We’ll also answer your questions. Feel free to write us with questions at parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca.   One of the main intentions behind this podcast was to demystify the Parkinson’s experience by sharing my story, the stories of people I meet along my journey and encourage others to share their Parkinson’s stories.  When we share stories, we raise awareness of Parkinson’s, which attracts more donor dollars, to do more research, which hopefully one day will lead to finding a cure. I am encouraged from the responses I have received and am happy to report that as a community, those of us with Parkinson’s are sharing more of what we’re going through. To that end, in this Extra Dosage episode, I want to introduce you to Jim Richmond. Jim, 47, is a high school teacher and volleyball coach. He was diagnosed three years ago. Even though we are the same age and have some similar experiences, our stories are uniquely our own. I chat with Jim about symptoms, treatments, lifestyle changes, and everyday efforts to keep the disease from taking hold. After our conversation, Jim emailed to say he thought in our discussion he came across as more negative than his typical positive self. To me his story is authentic, honest and like most of us with Parkinson’s an ever adjusting mix of hope, fear, frustration and Levodopa.     If you have a comment or question about the podcast, you can email us: parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca   Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to Jim Redmond.  For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

This is a special bonus episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s which we are calling “Extra Dosage.” Full episodes will be release every other Wednesday. In between, Niki and I will share new information, original interviews and extra material that provide more context to topics raised in the previous episodes of the podcast. We’ll also answer your questions. Feel free to write us with questions at <a href="mailto:parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca">parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca</a>. One of the main intentions behind this podcast was to demystify the Parkinson’s experience by sharing my story, the stories of people I meet along my journey and encourage others to share their Parkinson’s stories.  When we share stories, we raise awareness of Parkinson’s, which attracts more donor dollars, to do more research, which hopefully one day will lead to finding a cure. I am encouraged from the responses I have received and am happy to report that as a community, those of us with Parkinson’s are sharing more of what we’re going through. To that end, in this Extra Dosage episode, I want to introduce you to Jim Richmond. Jim, 47, is a high school teacher and volleyball coach. He was diagnosed three years ago. Even though we are the same age and have some similar experiences, our stories are uniquely our own. I chat with Jim about symptoms, treatments, lifestyle changes, and everyday efforts to keep the disease from taking hold. After our conversation, Jim emailed to say he thought in our discussion he came across as more negative than his typical positive self. To me his story is authentic, honest and like most of us with Parkinson’s an ever adjusting mix of hope, fear, frustration and Levodopa.     If you have a comment or question about the podcast, you can email us: <a href="mailto:parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca">parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca</a> Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to Jim Redmond. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Parkinson Society BC      <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsBC?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsBC</a> Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

Extra Dosage | Hope, Fear, Frustration and Levodopa

I wish I didn’t have Parkinson’s. You wish I didn’t have Parkinson’s. In fact, as far as I can discern no one is really happy about it.  My Parkinson’s is inconvenient and uncomfortable for everyone involved. That uncomfortableness has led me to apologize for having it. I have moments nearly everyday when I try to make people feel better about my diagnosis and symptoms. (Frankly, I always thought it was supposed to be the other way around.) But, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. We all play roles in each other’s lives. We’re cast. I’m the baby brother, the college buddy, ‘Smokey the sports radio guy’ and more. For each person in my life, I played a particular part. The inconvenience and uncomfortableness arises from the reality that no one cast me as ‘disease guy.’ It can be really awkward and depressing to face realities of disease — for everyone.  In August 2017, Parkinson’s hijacked my storyline and recast me in your life story and mine. Now, in addition to high school theatre geek, loving husband and wine lover, I’m Larry with a degenerative brain disease. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s a skill set I can to add to my LinkedIn profile.  Yes, I wish I didn’t have Parkinson’s. I am, however, grateful that my story continues to be written. Parkinson’s has given me an opportunity to update my character and made me realize that as people change, our narratives about them need to be rewritten too. In a rather healthy way, disease actually jumpstarts that process and forces people to see others in a new and different light.  In this episode of “When Life Gives You Parkinson’s”, my Mom, my wife Rebecca, my co-host Niki and I examine the roles we’ve accepted in each other’s lives, how we feel about those roles changing and what we can do to keep moving forward in life.  Follow Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Thank you Courtney Doherty, registered clinical Counselor at Parkinson’s Society.  Thank you as always to my wife Rebecca Gifford and my mom Marty Gifford Thank you to @SickboyPodcast – check them out here http://sickboypodcast.com/ Follow them on Twitter Brian Stever                     @SteverBrian Taylor MacGillvary           @Taymacgillivary Jeremie Saunders           @JeremieSaunders 10 steps to help you cope with a Parkinson’s diagnosis https://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/10_Steps_eng_PC.pdf

I wish I didn’t have Parkinson’s. You wish I didn’t have Parkinson’s. In fact, as far as I can discern no one is really happy about it.  My Parkinson’s is inconvenient and uncomfortable for everyone involved. That uncomfortableness has led me to apologize for having it. I have moments nearly everyday when I try to make people feel better about my diagnosis and symptoms. (Frankly, I always thought it was supposed to be the other way around.) But, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. We all play roles in each other’s lives. We’re cast. I’m the baby brother, the college buddy, ‘Smokey the sports radio guy’ and more. For each person in my life, I played a particular part. The inconvenience and uncomfortableness arises from the reality that no one cast me as ‘disease guy.’ It can be really awkward and depressing to face realities of disease — for everyone.  In August 2017, Parkinson’s hijacked my storyline and recast me in your life story and mine. Now, in addition to high school theatre geek, loving husband and wine lover, I’m Larry with a degenerative brain disease. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s a skill set I can to add to my LinkedIn profile.  Yes, I wish I didn’t have Parkinson’s. I am, however, grateful that my story continues to be written. Parkinson’s has given me an opportunity to update my character and made me realize that as people change, our narratives about them need to be rewritten too. In a rather healthy way, disease actually jumpstarts that process and forces people to see others in a new and different light.  In this episode of “When Life Gives You Parkinson’s”, my Mom, my wife Rebecca, my co-host Niki and I examine the roles we’ve accepted in each other’s lives, how we feel about those roles changing and what we can do to keep moving forward in life.  Follow Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Parkinson Society BC      <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsBC?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsBC</a> Thank you Courtney Doherty, registered clinical Counselor at Parkinson’s Society.  Thank you as always to my wife Rebecca Gifford and my mom Marty Gifford Thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/sickboypodcast?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@SickboyPodcast</a> – check them out here <a href="http://sickboypodcast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://sickboypodcast.com/</a> Follow them on Twitter Brian Stever                     <a href="https://twitter.com/SteverBrian?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@SteverBrian</a> Taylor MacGillvary           <a href="https://twitter.com/taymacgillivary?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Taymacgillivary</a> Jeremie Saunders           <a href="https://twitter.com/JeremieSaunders?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@JeremieSaunders</a> 10 steps to help you cope with a Parkinson’s diagnosis <a href="https://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/10_Steps_eng_PC.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/10_Steps_eng_PC.pdf</a>

Disease Guy,  getting recast in your life story, and other things you can't put on your LinkedIn | 3

Guest writer Rebecca Gifford, the wife of Larry Gifford In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s, Larry and I explore how we keep the magic alive in the bedroom and beyond when there is always an elephant (a.k.a Parkinson’s disease) in there with us eating peanuts and taking up a lot of space. Your bed. It’s your private space. It’s restful, probably even peaceful sometimes, and hopefully happy. It can be a safe place to feel and even grieve. If you’re fortunate enough to have someone to share it with, it’s a place for communication, intimacy and excitement.Larry and I have our most important conversations in bed. Since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s these conversations happen regularly. We talk, share triumphs of the day — sometimes big successes and sometimes simply a hilarious moment with our son. We complain, cry, say things we probably shouldn’t, unconsciously avoid saying some things we probably should. Sometimes we have sex (but we’ll talk about that a lot more in this week’s podcast).And we sleep.All the things that happen in our bed are the most important things for our relationship, and for our well-being. It makes sense to pay attention to it. That’s why Larry and I sought advice from nurse and sex health educator, Maureen McGrath. “This is new for you, Parkinson’s disease, and it is different for every patient,” she said. McGrath told us 70% to 80% of the couples she counsels are also dealing with medical conditions that impact intimacy in their relationship. We had a lot of questions. Do we have a bedroom that is conducive to sleep and wellness? “Sleep is critical.” McGrath said, “Make sure you don’t have a television in your room, or an iPad or bring a phone to bed. Dedicate your room to sleeping and/or sex.” Have we created a space that is as safe and nurturing as it was before Parkinsons entered our life? McGrath suggested, “Make your room an oasis.” We made plans to use our aromatherapy diffuser more frequently and make sure our bed is plush and comfortable for us both. Be sure to listen to snippets from our bed shopping excursion.Are we still affectionate with each other, even though nothing is as effortless as it used to be? “You have a need to be close, you have sexual desire, but you may have a little bit of fear around it,” she said. McGrath recommended not overthinking it, returning to what you know and making it a priority appointment in our life.By acknowledging Parkinson’s has changed how we sleep, connect, and show affection for each other, we are learning to look the PD elephant in the eye, smile at it and thrive on all levels. Including in bed. Thank you for listening. Add your voice to the show and leave a message for us here; https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to… Deana Grinnell Maureen McGrath, Nurse and Sexual Health Educator. Her website is backtothebedroom.ca. Follow her on twitter @back2thebedroom. Check out her Ted X Stanley Park talk “No Sex Marriage – Masturbation, Loneliness, Cheating and Shame” Gila Bronner, founder and former Director of the Sex Therapy Service at Sheba Medical Center in Israel Rebecca Gifford, my amazing wife. Henry Gifford, Captain Awesome (Our son). For more info on our presenting partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada           @ParkinsonCanada Thanks also to our content and promotional partners Parkinson’s IQ + You– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation Spotlight YOPD – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 

Guest writer Rebecca Gifford, the wife of Larry Gifford In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s, Larry and I explore how we keep the magic alive in the bedroom and beyond when there is always an elephant (a.k.a Parkinson’s disease) in there with us eating peanuts and taking up a lot of space. Your bed. It’s your private space. It’s restful, probably even peaceful sometimes, and hopefully happy. It can be a safe place to feel and even grieve. If you’re fortunate enough to have someone to share it with, it’s a place for communication, intimacy and excitement. Larry and I have our most important conversations in bed. Since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s these conversations happen regularly. We talk, share triumphs of the day — sometimes big successes and sometimes simply a hilarious moment with our son. We complain, cry, say things we probably shouldn’t, unconsciously avoid saying some things we probably should. Sometimes we have sex (but we’ll talk about that a lot more in this week’s podcast). And we sleep. All the things that happen in our bed are the most important things for our relationship, and for our well-being. It makes sense to pay attention to it. That’s why Larry and I sought advice from nurse and sex health educator, Maureen McGrath. “This is new for you, Parkinson’s disease, and it is different for every patient,” she said. McGrath told us 70% to 80% of the couples she counsels are also dealing with medical conditions that impact intimacy in their relationship. We had a lot of questions. Do we have a bedroom that is conducive to sleep and wellness? “Sleep is critical.” McGrath said, “Make sure you don’t have a television in your room, or an iPad or bring a phone to bed. Dedicate your room to sleeping and/or sex.” Have we created a space that is as safe and nurturing as it was before Parkinsons entered our life? McGrath suggested, “Make your room an oasis.” We made plans to use our aromatherapy diffuser more frequently and make sure our bed is plush and comfortable for us both. Be sure to listen to snippets from our bed shopping excursion. Are we still affectionate with each other, even though nothing is as effortless as it used to be? “You have a need to be close, you have sexual desire, but you may have a little bit of fear around it,” she said. McGrath recommended not overthinking it, returning to what you know and making it a priority appointment in our life. By acknowledging Parkinson’s has changed how we sleep, connect, and show affection for each other, we are learning to look the PD elephant in the eye, smile at it and thrive on all levels. Including in bed. Thank you for listening. Add your voice to the show and leave a message for us here; <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons</a> Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to… Deana Grinnell Maureen McGrath, Nurse and Sexual Health Educator. Her website is <a href="https://www.backtothebedroom.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backtothebedroom.ca</a>. Follow her on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/back2thebedroom" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@back2thebedroom</a>. Check out her Ted X Stanley Park talk <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVgzOyHVcj4&amp;feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“No Sex Marriage – Masturbation, Loneliness, Cheating and Shame”</a> Gila Bronner, founder and former Director of the Sex Therapy Service at Sheba Medical Center in Israel Rebecca Gifford, my amazing wife. Henry Gifford, Captain Awesome (Our son). For more info on our presenting partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada           <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Thanks also to our content and promotional partners <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/parkinsons-iq-you" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson’s IQ + You</a>– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation <a href="https://spotlightyopd.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight YOPD</a> – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

The Elephant in the Bedroom | 3

Since my diagnosis, I’ve experienced panic attacks, anxious days of feeling inadequate and stretches of melancholy and mourning my life before Parkinson’s. In this episode of the When Life Gives You Parkinson’s podcast we explore anxiety and depression as symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and how people are dealing with these and other hidden symptoms of Parkinson’s. “I was afraid the building would collapse and I wouldn’t be able to get help.” Hilary Vanderliek,our guest this week, lists anxiety as one of her “hidden” or non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. “I usually start panicking if I feel like I can’t get a hold of somebody or I need something that I can’t have. Whether it is someone helping me, or getting water or pills, or changing my outfit so I’m more comfortable, or me needing to go to the hospital because they’ll be able to help whatever issues I’m having.” Issues she describes as feeling stuck, shaking so bad she can’t walk or being so weak she can’t move to get to where she needs to go. When it comes to Parkinson’s most people are aware of the tell-tale tremors. I, and others, also have issues with our gait which makes walking more difficult. People with Parkinson’s are slow to initiate movement, have balance issues, and muscle rigidity. But, those are all motor symptoms you can see. There are a whole host of other symptoms people with Parkinson’s deal with that you may never know. Parkinson Canada details 27 of these symptoms on its website including difficulty swallowing, pain, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia. Anxiety and depression also made the list. Experts now say more than half of all people with Parkinson’s will develop anxiety or depression. Depression and anxiety in people with Parkinson’s is not solely a reaction to the diagnosis. Most often it’s due to changes in brain chemistry, circuits and neural pathways that control your mood. Long before his Parkinson’s diagnosis, the initial symptoms for Tony Dawson, 76, were more psychological than physical. “They tended to circle around a feeling of depression which I had not been used to feeling earlier in my life.” And it’s not just a case of, “Oh, I feel bad today.” Everyone gets that feeling from time to time. “(Depression) is that persistent feeling and sadness that you have,” says Kimberly Singian RN, who authored a paper in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on depression and Parkinson’s. “Feeling fatigued, even feelings of guilt and being worthless. Your sleep can be affected, your appetite and also your weight.” Symptoms of anxiety may include nervousness, worrying, feeling jittery, and may not have a direct cause, or may seem to be an over-reaction. Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to Hilary Vanderliek, Tony Dawson, Jonny Acheson, Kimberly Singian RN, and my wife Rebecca Gifford.  Here is a link to Hilary’s website.  Here is a link to the YouTube video on the hidden symptoms of Parkinson’s disease mentioned by Jonny in the podcast For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

Since my diagnosis, I’ve experienced panic attacks, anxious days of feeling inadequate and stretches of melancholy and mourning my life before Parkinson’s. In this episode of the When Life Gives You Parkinson’s podcast we explore anxiety and depression as symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and how people are dealing with these and other hidden symptoms of Parkinson’s. “I was afraid the building would collapse and I wouldn’t be able to get help.” Hilary Vanderliek,our guest this week, lists anxiety as one of her “hidden” or non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. “I usually start panicking if I feel like I can’t get a hold of somebody or I need something that I can’t have. Whether it is someone helping me, or getting water or pills, or changing my outfit so I’m more comfortable, or me needing to go to the hospital because they’ll be able to help whatever issues I’m having.” Issues she describes as feeling stuck, shaking so bad she can’t walk or being so weak she can’t move to get to where she needs to go. When it comes to Parkinson’s most people are aware of the tell-tale tremors. I, and others, also have issues with our gait which makes walking more difficult. People with Parkinson’s are slow to initiate movement, have balance issues, and muscle rigidity. But, those are all motor symptoms you can see. There are a whole host of other symptoms people with Parkinson’s deal with that you may never know. <a href="https://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/Physician_Guide_to_Non_Motor_Symptoms_of_Parkinson_Disease.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parkinson Canada details 27 of these symptoms</a> on its website including difficulty swallowing, pain, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia. Anxiety and depression also made the list. Experts now say more than <a href="https://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/Parkinson%E2%80%99s-Disease-Depression-and-Anxiety.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">half of all people with Parkinson’s will develop anxiety or depression</a>. Depression and anxiety in people with Parkinson’s is not solely a reaction to the diagnosis. Most often it’s due to changes in brain chemistry, circuits and neural pathways that control your mood. Long before his Parkinson’s diagnosis, the initial symptoms for Tony Dawson, 76, were more psychological than physical. “They tended to circle around a feeling of depression which I had not been used to feeling earlier in my life.” And it’s not just a case of, “Oh, I feel bad today.” Everyone gets that feeling from time to time. “(Depression) is that persistent feeling and sadness that you have,” says Kimberly Singian RN, who authored a paper in the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5047801/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Canadian Medical Association Journal on depression and Parkinson’s</a>. “Feeling fatigued, even feelings of guilt and being worthless. Your sleep can be affected, your appetite and also your weight.” Symptoms of anxiety may include nervousness, worrying, feeling jittery, and may not have a direct cause, or may seem to be an over-reaction. Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsPod" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsPod</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonspod/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@parkinsonspod</a> Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/niki_reitmayer?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@Niki_Reitmayer</a> Thank you to Hilary Vanderliek, Tony Dawson, Jonny Acheson, Kimberly Singian RN, and my wife Rebecca Gifford. <a href="https://www.hilaryvand.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here is a link to Hilary’s website</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2LP_5PC9LU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here is a link to the YouTube video</a> on the hidden symptoms of Parkinson’s disease mentioned by Jonny in the podcast For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to <a href="http://www.parkinson.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parkinson.ca/</a> The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonCanada?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonCanada</a> Parkinson Society BC      <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkinsonsBC?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@ParkinsonsBC</a> Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer

Shaking the Stigma of Depression and Anxiety | 5

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