134 Pins, Needle and Parkinson's : Understanding Neuropathy
The Parkinson's Experience podcast
Today we are going to describe and explain neuropathy. What is it? Why am I experience the symptoms? What causes the symptoms to come and go? Is it due to my Parkinson’s disease or just old age? This is the second of three episodes in the “Dr. Ospina Explains” series. In this episode, we learn all about neuropathies. So, if you have or had or anticipate having any tingling, numbness, burning, weakness is your feet or elsewhere, this is the episode for you. Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more...
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133 Harmonica Can Improve PD Speech
The Parkinson's Experience podcast
I love bringing you innovative ideas that are improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s—and this one truly surprised me. I never thought learning to play the harmonica would make the list, but here we are. In this episode, I share the story of an inspirational physical therapist in Hawaii who received a grant to study how learning the harmonica can impact speech in people with Parkinson’s disease. Even though it was a small study, the results were encouraging, and he’s now expanding his work to bring this creative therapy to more people. It turns out the harmonica isn’t just...
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132 The Benefits of Tai Chi for PD
The Parkinson's Experience podcast
In this episode we explore Tai Chi for Parkinson’s disease - how this gentle, low-impact mind–body practice can support people living with the condition. As we know, Parkinson’s affects movement, balance, and coordination due to changes in the brain’s dopamine system. We will highlight how Tai Chi’s slow, controlled motions can help counter these challenges. We spoke with a long time Tai Chi instructor who has modified his instructions to include all people with Parkinson’s. He focuses on key benefits backed by research, such as improved balance, reduced risk of falls,...
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131 Completing World Marathon Challenge to Honor Father and Benefit PD Research
The Parkinson's Experience podcast
At the Parkinson’s Experience podcast, we love a powerful, uplifting story — and this is one you won’t forget. After battling Parkinson’s disease for nine years, Hank Bode passed away in January 2025. Throughout that journey, Hank and his son Lincoln closely followed the work of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, inspired by its commitment to directing 100% of donations to Parkinson’s research and its relentless pursuit of a cure. To honor his father and raise funds for Parkinson’s research, Lincoln decided to do something extraordinary. As a member of Team Fox, he took on the World...
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130 Explained Series Part 1 - Botox
The Parkinson's Experience podcast
This is the first episode in a three-part series I’m calling Dr. Ospina Explains. In this series, we’ll dive into topics many of you have been asking about recently. One of my favorite Movement Disorder Specialists, Dr. Ospina, has a wonderful way of explaining all things Parkinson’s in terms that are easy for the rest of us to understand. I hope you’ll tune in to all three parts as they’re released — I truly believe you’ll learn a lot. We’re starting with Botox. Like many people, I used to think Botox had only one purpose — cosmetic. But after speaking with Movement...
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129 Non-Medication Treatment for Insomnia
The Parkinson's Experience podcast
Do you have trouble sleeping? It’s a topic you can’t avoid once you reach a certain age. And while sleep problems are common in people with Parkinson’s disease, they certainly aren’t limited to them. Because of that, treatment is often the same as it is for anyone else. Until researchers uncover more specific biological causes in Parkinson’s—progress is being made—we rely on standard, evidence-based treatments for insomnia. In this episode, we speak with an expert about one such treatment: a non-medication approach called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBT-I. It...
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128 World Parkinson Congress Comes to Phoenix in 2026
The Parkinson's Experience podcast
The World Parkinson Coalition is bringing its triennial World Parkinson Congress to Phoenix in May 2026—the first time the Congress has been hosted in the U.S. since 2016. This is truly a can’t-miss event for anyone in the Parkinson’s community. The Congress will bring together approximately 4,000 attendees from around the world, including researchers, healthcare professionals, people with Parkinson’s, and care partners. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about the latest research, emerging therapies, and the global effort to improve care—while also connecting with an incredible...
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127 Warriors Not Worriers -The InMotion Wellness Program
The Parkinson's Experience podcast
This year I have been highlighting some of local areas in the U.S. where people with Parkinson’s take classes designed for their needs, provide social support, and community. It is truly magical to have this kind of central location just focused on your needs as a person with Parkinson’s. Just last month we highlighted Parkinson’s Body & Mind in Connecticut. They have done and continue to provide spaces where PWP can gather for exercise, wellness and community programs – all for free. If you didn’t listen to that episode, check it out soon. In this episode, we talk with the...
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126 Dystonia Explained
The Parkinson's Experience podcast
While often overshadowed by better known movement disorders, dystonia affects thousands and can dramatically affect quality of life. This episode explains what dystonia is, why it frequently appears alongside Parkinson’s, and what therapies - from medications to DBS to physical therapy – are helping people regain control. So, listen on as a movement disorder specialist, Dr. Niemann, breaks down dystonia. He helps us understand symptoms, treatment options and everyday strategies for living your best life with dystonia. Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of...
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125 From Vision to Impact: Growing a Parkinson's Wellness Network
The Parkinson's Experience podcast
This year I have been highlighting some of local areas in the U.S. where people with Parkinson’s take classes designed for their needs, provide social support, and community. It is truly magical to have this kind of central location just focused on your needs as a person with Parkinson’s. If this exist in your area, like Power for Parkinson’s in Austin and my guest today from Parkinson’s Body & Mind in Connecticut, please take advantage of it. Exercise is the only proven way to slow the progression of the disease. Let’s exercise and build a community together. Lynn...
info_outlineWhen you or a loved one has a chronic condition, where do you go to find support, information and your “community”? People with Parkinson’s may not all have the combination of symptoms, but we are all better off when we seek out and find others like us who will be there for you and lift you up. I am grateful to have found a couple groups that have helped me along the way. I’ve formed friendships that go beyond the confines of my disease journey. As I have heard others say, I didn’t want Parkinson’s disease, but the Parkinson’s community is very special and caring.
I happened to randomly get introduced to and invited to join a women-only group which meets on Zoom every other week. Most of these women are located on the East Coast – mostly in the tristate area of NY, NJ, Connecticut. I love this group and the women. We have honest, open and real conversations, and we laugh. We are all there to support each other, share our experiences and help in any way we can. No topic is prohibited.
I so enjoy this community, I wanted to share with you. So, I asked four members of the group if we could record what our conversations are like and release it as an example for others to recreate if they want. What follows is this recording. I think you will really enjoy the conversation.