Understanding the biology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and turning that knowledge into better treatments is a complex undertaking. In this episode of the award-winning Parkinson’s Science POV series, scientists at The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) discuss how they are tackling this problem from every angle. Whether it’s using cutting-edge imaging…

With two new drugs approved by the FDA, a National Plan signed into law and many advances in our understanding of Parkinson’s disease, 2024 has been a transformative year in Parkinson’s research. Tune into audio from this month’s Third Thursdays Webinar to hear research experts from industry and academia talk with MJFF staff about the latest resear…

Each person living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) will have a unique journey with their treatments, including the decision to have deep brain stimulation (DBS), which is a surgical procedure to treat Parkinson’s motor symptoms. While DBS isn’t suitable for everyone, it can be helpful in the right person, and it’s a complex, lifelong choice. And alth…

Troubles with gait – slow walking, shuffling steps and foot dragging and more – can be symptoms of Parkinson’s. In audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar, our experts explore the robust research efforts underway to understand and treat gait issues, from physical rehab interventions to deep brain stimulation modifications to wearable robots designe…

In this podcast, four people from different backgrounds have a candid conversation on race, stigma and Parkinson’s. They share their experiences trying to find culturally competent medical professionals, overcoming the barriers to research participation, and communicating with their communities about their diagnosis. And they offer tips and advice …

Parkinson’s disease brings with it many potential symptoms, including hallucinations (seeing things that are not there) and delusions (believing things that are not true). Not everyone will experience these symptoms and not everyone who does will find them bothersome, but it can be a source of uncertainty and concern for people living with the dise…

Finding the right Parkinson’s treatment plan can be a trial-and-error process. The kind of medication, the dosage, the timing and lifestyle factors are all important pieces of the puzzle. In audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar, our expert panel made up of people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), a movement disorder specialist and a research…

Research shows mindfulness and meditation can improve some Parkinson’s (PD) symptoms and help people live a better life with the disease, but it can be tricky to put into practice. In this podcast, you’ll hear from people whose lives have been touched by PD and who use mindfulness to reduce symptoms and stress, and from a researcher who is studying…

The decision-making process around deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat Parkinson’s motor symptoms can be a complex and emotional journey. People often have questions about when – and whether – to have the procedure and what the experience is like, from the months of evaluation pre-surgery to surgery day to life with the device. In audio from this…

Just over a year ago, there was a major breakthrough in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research – a tool that could detect abnormal alpha-synuclein protein in the spinal fluid of people living with PD even before onset of symptoms. This discovery is already impacting the ways scientists conduct and think about Parkinson’s research. Tune into this episode…

You might be interested in stepping forward for science to play a role in the next breakthrough in Parkinson’s research, but still have questions about how to actually participate. How do you pick the right study for you? How do you balance your life logistics and your medical care considerations? What rights do you have when you participate in a s…

Many people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience pain as a non-motor symptom. Pain can arise from stiff muscles, dystonia, nerve pain and even the disease progression itself. It’s a symptom that some find difficult to talk about, but there are options for people to find relief. In audio from this Third Thursdays webinar, listen to our ex…

In this episode, hosted by Larry and Rebecca Gifford, members of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Patient Council and their care partners share their honest reactions to their diagnosis — from panic and denial to sadness and loneliness. This group of men and women of different ages and backgrounds offers words of wisdom about what to consider, what …

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

Living with Parkinson’s comes with a variety of symptoms, some of which can be unexpected, and frankly, embarrassing. Drooling, bladder issues and sexual dysfunction are hard to talk about, even with loved ones or your doctor – and can affect your self-image, your intimate relationships or the way you move through the world. In audio from this Thir…

The biology behind what causes Parkinson’s is complex, with only about a quarter of cases with clear genetic drivers. The environment – where you live, the air you breathe, the food you eat, the world around you – plays a key role in PD. Emerging research is showing environmental exposures to things like pesticides and pollution may interact with a…

The drug development pipeline is key to bringing new therapies to people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). With major breakthroughs in research in the past year, including a new biomarker for PD, The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study and other initiatives can be leveraged to create better designed tria…

Dating and beginning new relationships with Parkinson’s involve distinct challenges, joys and fears. In this frank and funny podcast, our experts discuss how they face considerations like building and maintaining confidence, disease disclosure, and the importance of self-knowledge and self-care in new relationships. They remind us all that no matte…

We know exercise is important for people with Parkinson’s. Once you’ve decided to move more, what next? In this audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar, our experts discuss strategies for making exercise a meaningful part of your life. They present ways to make time for exercise and to make the most of it, including being aware of different types, f…

One key pillar of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s research strategy is a focus on “de-risking" potential treatments for Parkinson’s disease. This episode of our award-winning “Parkinson’s Science POV” series explains how lowering the risk associated with developing new therapies leads to a more robust pipeline of treatments. The episode details sev…

Doctors have been using DaTscan brain imaging as a tool to help diagnose the Parkinson’s disease (PD) for more than a decade, but even people who know a lot about the disease often still have questions about its role — and the role of other imaging tools — in diagnosis and care. What’s a DaTscan, and how does it relate to PET, SPECT and MRI? When i…

The holidays can be a time of joyful celebration with those we love. They may also come with the stress of travel, disruptions to your regular routine or even loneliness. For those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), or those taking care of someone they love with the disease, these feelings can be intensified. This podcast offers tips to people l…

In a year of remarkable progress for the Parkinson’s field, we’re entering a new era for better understanding the biology of the disease, with the identification of a breakthrough biomarker accelerating new therapeutics through the clinical pipeline and legislators on Capitol Hill moving toward legislation that unites the federal government on a mi…

In a groundbreaking discovery earlier this year, a global consortium found a new variant in the GBA gene that is associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) for people of African ancestry. The finding marks the first African ancestry-specific genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. In this podcast, researchers share the human sto…

People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have lots of questions about probiotics, prebiotics, laxatives and fiber. That’s because constipation and bloating are some of the more bothersome but less talked about symptoms of PD. In this audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar, experts and people with PD discuss effective ways for managing constipation and …

Shock, doubt, anxiety — a diagnosis of Parkinson’s can trigger these and many other difficult emotions. This replay of audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar features a conversation among people with Parkinson’s about how they processed the emotional aftermath and navigated the early years following their diagnosis. We also hear from a psychologist…

In this replay of audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar, Michael J. Fox Foundation Patient Council member Larry Gifford leads a discussion on common Parkinson’s issues — dyskinesia and "off" time — and how to treat them. Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0…

Stem cells have grabbed headlines for decades. Now, at last, they are starting to deliver on their therapeutic promise, with multiple stem cell therapies in clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease. This episode of our award-winning “Parkinson’s Science POV” series brings us up to date on these trials, including how scientists are using stem cells t…

What do you know about gene therapy and its potential for treating Parkinson’s? In this audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar, you’ll learn what exactly gene therapy is and how it works, who gene therapy might work for and the role of genetic testing. You’ll also get a status report on investigations into gene therapy for Parkinson’s. Panelists in…

How’s this for a dinnertime conversation starter… did you know that what happens in your gut can have an impact on your brain health? Some experts even call the gut “the second brain” because of its huge community of microbes and large nerve network that links the gut to brain disease, like Parkinson’s. Join our panel of experts who cover the lates…

Many people with Parkinson’s experience autonomic symptoms, like bladder problems, low blood pressure and constipation that can be hard to talk about. In this audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar replay, experts and patients open a dialogue on these issues and share ways to treat them. Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review…

In the latest installment of our award-winning “Parkinson’s Science POV” series, MJFF’s Maggie Kuhl sits down with Mark Frasier and Brian Fiske, Chief Science Officers at MJFF, in an “Ask MJFF Anything” edition of our podcast. These experts cover a variety of questions from our community about Parkinson’s disease (PD) therapies and treatments, the …

Have you ever wondered what’s the best exercise for your brain? Listen as our expert panel breaks down approachable tips to add more movement into your day-to-day, Parkinson’s-friendly exercises to try right now and the science behind the benefits of working up a sweat. Join hundreds of Parkinson’s community members June 17 weekend for our annual V…

Faith and science are not often discussed together, but science requires a leap of faith. A few years ago, MJFF staff scientists, Samantha Hutten, PhD and Katie Kopil, PhD never would have guessed that a leap of faith and a cold call to a researcher in Texas would lead to a tool that, for the first time, can detect Parkinson’s in people who have no…

In April, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) announced a major biomarker breakthrough, opening a new chapter for Parkinson’s research — with the promise of better drug development and care for all people and families living with the disease. With the new test, validated by MJFF’s Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), researchers can …

Some people act out their dreams while asleep. They may punch, kick, yell or even fall out of bed. This sleep problem can be linked to Parkinson’s and other brain diseases. In this episode, experts share why sleep issues happen and what you can do to manage them. If you or your bed partner have sleep issues — whether you have Parkinson’s or not — y…

Did you know that RBD – REM sleep behavior disorder, or acting out dreams -- can be an early indicator of Parkinson’s? Many people develop sleep issues as they age — with and without PD. Join host Larry Gifford in a rich discussion with expert Stephen Joza, MD, PhD; Allen Dance, recently diagnosed with RBD; and Richie Rothenberg, patient advisor to…

From freezing to shuffling and everything in between, gait and balance issues can impact people with Parkinson’s at all stages of their journey. In this episode, listen as experts discuss emerging research and tips for people and care partners to improve mobility, prevent falls and maintain independence day to day. The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s l…

For many, the word “diet” has negative associations: cutting out the foods you love, not enjoying what you eat or following strict rules about what you can or can’t eat. But diet is a way of life. And you can still boost brain health or manage Parkinson’s with your favorite family recipes, dinner out with friends and even the salty or sweet snacks …

What foods are best for you? Whether you have Parkinson’s disease, or are concerned you might develop it, food and nutrition play a critical role in brain health. Our expert panel of Parkinson’s physicians and nutritionists shares effective ways to manage symptoms through nutrition and mobility modifications to make food preparation and eating easi…

There are social, emotional and physical changes you may notice after living with Parkinson’s for some time. In this episode replay, experts discuss tips for managing symptoms, finding support and living well with Parkinson’s disease. Our landmark Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative is open to anyone over age 18 in the U.S. Join the study th…

Un diagnóstico de Parkinson puede traer muchas emociones diferentes: negación, ira, tristeza, frustración. Es importante saber que no importa qué emociones sientas, no estás solo. Escuche a los expertos, personas con Parkinson y un especialista en trastornos del movimiento, hablar sobre cómo navegar por las emociones y el viaje viviendo con la enfe…

The Parkinson’s community often asks, “What new treatments are in the pipeline?” In this episode, experts discuss the latest approaches in treating the spectrum of Parkinson’s, from early diagnosis to advancing disease. They also highlight the latest tools to predict and measure Parkinson’s and critical steps toward prevention. Recently diagnosed w…

Many people and families with Parkinson’s wonder if deep brain stimulation (DBS) — a surgical procedure for Parkinson’s — is a possible treatment option for them. In this episode replay, experts discuss who should consider DBS; potential benefits and risks; and the latest advancements in DBS research. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinso…

A Parkinson’s diagnosis can bring many different emotions — denial, anger, sadness, frustration. It’s important to know that no matter what emotions you feel, you’re not alone. Listen as people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones discuss how they’ve navigated emotions in the early years with Parkinson’s disease. This podcast episode offers person…

Public policy plays an important role in speeding a cure for Parkinson’s. In this episode, experts discuss ways to become a Parkinson’s advocate and how you can reach out to your elected officials to help influence change on behalf of the Parkinson’s community. Experts also highlight the first-ever legislation solely dedicated to ending Parkinson’s…

Many people with Parkinson’s consider telehealth a useful tool for getting care. But for some, the technology or visit may be tough to navigate. In this episode, experts discuss how to make the most of a virtual visit with a doctor and the impact of telehealth on research and care. Recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You can play a critical role i…

Walking is a complex skill. So, shares Catherine Kopil, PhD, in the third episode of our “Parkinson’s Science POV” podcast series. Gait requires a symphony of connections between the brain and body, which makes it one of the hardest Parkinson’s symptoms to treat. Kopil, MJFF Senior Vice President of Clinical Research, and Chief Scientific Officer M…

Parkinson’s can affect the automatic and involuntary functions our bodies perform, like heartbeat and digestion. In this episode, experts discuss common but lesser-known Parkinson’s symptoms — including bladder problems, constipation, low blood pressure and sweating — and what you can do to treat them. Recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You can p…

In honor of Father’s Day, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is sharing a special podcast episode between three adult children who discuss how they each have navigated having a father with Parkinson’s disease. This Father’s Day and beyond, MJFF celebrates the experiences of patients, loved ones, researchers, advocates and supporters — speeding pr…