The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson's Podcast
Subscribe for coverage and analysis of current neurology/brain research, patient and caregiver profiles, drug development strategy, pioneering nonprofit management and other topics of interest in a wide-ranging series of conversations that include the voices of those affected by Parkinson's as well as clinicians.
Parkinson’s and Constipation: A Candid Conversation (Webinar Audio)
Constipation is a frequent and troublesome symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It can affect how medication is absorbed and impact daily life. Tune in to audio from this month’s Third Thursdays Webinar to hear our panel of experts discuss why constipation happens in Parkinson’s. They also cover managing and preventing constipation and the latest research on the gut-brain connection.
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Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research...
Finding a Clearer Parkinson's Diagnosis
Parkinson’s isn’t easy to diagnose — everyone’s symptoms differ based on their individual biology, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. One of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s (MJFF) key areas of focus is finding ways to diagnose Parkinson’s disease earlier and more clearly, which could one day lead to more personalized treatments that can improve quality of life.
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There are so many ways to get involved in the research tha...
Everyday Tips for Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease
People living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their loved ones develop countless ways to adapt and make daily life easier as symptoms change. Members of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Patient Council and their care partners share decades of collective wisdom on living with PD. They came together for a live conversation at MJFF’s New York City offices to discuss what they’ve learned along their own disease journeys, from practical strategies and tools that make daily life easier to the mindsets and mantras that guide and sustain them. In this episode of the MJFF Parkinson’s Podcast...
What Causes Parkinson’s Disease? (Webinar Audio)
Many people diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their loved ones wonder what caused the disease. Researchers believe Parkinson’s is caused by a mix of genetic, environmental and age-related factors that may contribute differently to each person. Tune in to audio from this month’s Third Thursdays Webinar to hear our panel of leading Parkinson’s experts discuss the latest efforts to understand what causes the disease so we can better treat and one day prevent it altogether.
Join the movement to end Parkinson’s this Parkinson’s Awareness Month at michaeljfox.org/April
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Parkinson's: Fact vs. Fiction
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the world’s fastest-growing neurological disease, affecting millions globally. Yet many misconceptions persist about life with the disease, how to treat it and the research going into the search for better therapies. Tune into this episode of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Podcast to listen to our panel of experts including people living with PD, a researcher and movement disorder specialists debunk common myths about Parkinson’s disease and answer community questions.
Discover opportunities to take action and join millions of others moving us closer to a cure. https://www.michae...
Sleep and Parkinson’s: What’s Going On (and What Can Help) (Webinar Audio)
Sleep is an important part of physical and mental health, but Parkinson’s symptoms and medication side effects can make a good night’s sleep hard to find. Insomnia, nocturia, medication wearing off, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and more can interrupt sleep. Tune into audio from this month’s Third Thursdays Webinar to hear our panel of experts discuss the latest research on the connection between sleep and Parkinson’s disease (PD) and share practical strategies for setting yourself up for the best rest possible.
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Catalyzing Community to End Parkinson’s
A world without Parkinson’s will only be made possible through the work and energy of the Parkinson’s community — people living with the disease and their loved ones, researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, lawmakers and others. Catalyzing that community towards productive action is one of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s (MJFF) four main areas of research focus in its Strategic Research Agenda, along with more clearly defining Parkinson’s disease, building better treatment pipelines and speeding clinical trial decision-making.
In this episode of The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast, part of its award-winning Parkinson’s Science POV...
In This Together: Care Partnership and Parkinson’s (Webinar Audio)
How can I show up for my partner with Parkinson’s? How can I best support my parent with PD from afar? How can my loved one and I work together to make decisions as symptoms change?
Our community has many questions about how to best support a loved one with Parkinson’s disease. Tune in to audio from this month’s Third Thursdays Webinar to hear our panel of experts — including care partners, a person living with PD, a social worker and a psychologist — discuss strategies for effective communication and shared decision-making to keep a partnership strong thr...
Dishing on Diet for Parkinson’s (Ask the MD Podcast)
Diet is a useful tool to feel and live better, whether you live with Parkinson’s or not. But putting healthy eating into practice can be tricky. In audio from this popular Ask the MD video, movement disorder specialist, lifestyle medicine physician and MJFF Principal Medical Advisor Rachel Dolhun, DipABLM, speaks with Erin Presant, DO, movement disorder and culinary medicine specialist. Together, they answer common questions about how diet can support brain health and help manage disease.
Listen now or watch the video. You can also check out our page on lifestyle strategies for living well with Pa...
Exploring the Link Between Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s (Webinar Audio)
How does research into Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s overlap, and what insights are being revealed? Tune into audio from this month’s Third Thursdays Webinar to hear our panel of experts discuss what scientists are learning about how these diseases affect the brain and how understanding their links may lead to better care for people living with a disease.
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Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the...
Lifestyle Strategies to Boost Brain Health (Ask the MD Podcast)
No matter your age, whether you have Parkinson’s or not, there are steps you can take today to boost your brain health. In this extended version of a popular Ask the MD video, movement disorder specialist, life medicine physician and MJFF Principal Medical Advisor Rachel Dolhun, MD, DipABLM, sits down with Ayesha Sherzai, MD, and Dean Sherzai, MD, PhD, known as The Brain Docs. Together they answer community questions and share tips for using lifestyle medicine to help your brain.
Mentioned in this episode:
Researchers are studying the link between sense of smell and br...
Stress and Parkinson’s: Strategies to Manage the Strain (Webinar Audio)
Experiencing some stress is a normal part of life, but many people living with Parkinson’s notice stress may worsen symptoms and make medication less effective. And chronic stress can cause lasting impacts to mental and physical health. Tune into audio from this Third Thursday’s Webinar to hear our panel of experts discuss how stress affects the body and how to reduce its harm.
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Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can he...
"Building on Breakthroughs" Research Roundtable (Event Audio)
Earlier this year, The Michael J. Fox Foundation hosted its 2025 Research Roundtable, “Building on Breakthroughs.” Tune into audio from this event to hear Parkinson’s experts and MJFF staff discuss the latest in lifestyle medicine and treatments in the pipeline, as well as the power of advocating for Parkinson’s policy.
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Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast...
Parkinson’s Research and Artificial Intelligence
What is AI? How do scientists use it? Where does the data come from? Can AI help find a cure for Parkinson’s?
As the use of artificial intelligence, or AI, becomes more widespread, our community has asked us many questions about how scientists may be using the technology to further Parkinson’s research. In this episode of The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast, in its award-wining "Parkinson’s Science POV" series, Maggie Kuhl, vice president of patient engagement at MJFF, leads a conversation to answer some of those questions with:
Bradford Casey, PhD, senior scie...Catalyzing Change: Parkinson’s Research Progress in 2025 (Webinar Audio)
Parkinson’s research has had a transformative year as researchers have built on breakthroughs to learn more about the disease and how to treat it. Tune into audio from this Third Thursday’s Webinar to hear our panel of experts discuss how Parkinson’s research has advanced in 2025 and what the future could look like.
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Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing ever...
Genetics and Parkinson’s: Understanding the Role of Gene Therapy in a Cure (Webinar Audio)
What do you know about gene therapy and its potential for treating Parkinson’s? In this audio from our Third Thursdays Webinar, you’ll learn what exactly gene therapy is and how it works, who gene therapy might work for and the role of genetic testing. You’ll also get a status report on investigations into gene therapy for Parkinson’s. Panelists include experts in the field as well as a person with Parkinson’s and her care partner.
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New Treatment Options for Progressing Parkinson’s (Webinar Audio)
As Parkinson’s symptoms change over the years, different treatments may be needed to best manage symptoms and side effects. Since last fall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved five new options for people living with the disease, including two continuous, under-the-skin infusion pumps. Tune into audio from this Third Thursday’s Webinar to hear our panel of experts discuss these options and other strategies to treat progressing Parkinson’s disease.
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Whet...
Easing Into Retirement with Parkinson’s
Stepping back from the workforce is a milestone event in any life, and Parkinson’s disease (PD) adds an emotional and logistical layer. Many people living with the disease think differently about when and how to retire as they balance symptoms, their financial and health needs and their plans and interests. Tune into this episode of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Podcast to listen to our expert panel of a person living with Parkinson’s, a care partner and people who work with the Parkinson’s community discuss retirement and Parkinson’s. They share advice from their own li...
Talking About Disease-modifying Therapies for Parkinson’s (Webinar Audio)
While there have been improvements in therapies to treat Parkinson’s symptoms, people living with the disease and their loved ones await a treatment that will slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) or stop it entirely. These therapies, called disease-modifying therapies, have the potential to change how PD is treated and experienced. Tune into audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar to listen to our panel of experts discuss disease-modifying therapies and the latest in Parkinson’s research.
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Navigating Employment with Parkinson's
A Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis can impact many areas of life, including how you get work done and think about your career. It can lead to questions like: Should I disclose my diagnosis to my employer and colleagues? How do I adapt my work around my symptoms? What legal protections do I have? Tune into this episode of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Podcast to listen to our expert panel of people living with PD, a care partner, and an employment consultant discuss employment and Parkinson’s. They share their stories and offer the tips they’ve...
Advances in Stem Cell Science for Parkinson’s (Webinar Audio)
Researchers are investigating many options to treat Parkinson’s disease (PD) with stem cells, including reprogramming them to replace lost dopamine-producing neurons and creating supportive brain cells to keep neurons healthy. Tune into audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar to listen to our panel of experts discuss the latest stem cell research and answer audience questions.
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Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changin...
Ask Us Anything About Parkinson’s and Relationships
How do I tell my children about my Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis? How do I explain a tremor to my grandkids? How can I support my parent with Parkinson’s from a distance? How can my spouse and I communicate around a symptom of apathy?
Every year our community submits thousands of questions online and at in-person events. Many are about Parkinson’s symptoms, treatment options and the latest research, but we’re also asked questions about relationships and how to maintain connection with loved ones with Parkinson’s in the picture. In this episode of The Michael...
Finding the Right Tech Tools for Your Parkinson’s Journey (Webinar Audio)
Technology can offer people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) much needed support in several areas of life, from apps to keep track of medication timing, wearables to help smooth gait, websites to monitor symptoms and more. Tune into audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar to listen to our panel of experts discuss how tech tools can be incorporated in daily living with PD and how to find your best options. They also share personal tips and experiences and answer audience questions.
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What Imaging Tech Can Reveal About Parkinson's
Advances in imaging technology offer researchers a window into how Parkinson’s disease affects the brain, which could reshape how the disease is diagnosed and treated. In this episode of The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast, in its award-winning Parkinson’s Science POV series, David Kumbroch, senior science writer at MJFF, lead a conversation with:
Jamie Eberling, PhD, senior vice present of research resources at MJFF. Roger Gunn, PhD, chief science officer at Xing Imaging.Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw...
Building Your Best Parkinson’s Care Team (Webinar Audio)
Having a network of health care professionals, loved ones and community members as part of a care team has shown to improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their loved ones. Tune into audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar to listen to our panel of experts discuss how to make the most of your appointments, find specialists and coordinate care to best support the person living with the disease.
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0...
Understanding the Experience of LGBTQ+ People Living with Parkinson’s Disease
Life with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is shaped by myriad factors, including sexual orientation and gender identity that shape access to care, lifestyle decisions and more. In this episode of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Podcast, our expert panel shares their personal stories and discusses the ongoing research into the health concerns and needs of LGBTQ+ people living with PD.
To connect with others for support and community, join the Parkinson’s Buddy Network. https://parkinsonsbuddynetwork.michaeljfox.org/
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Changing the Narrative: Destigmatizing Parkinson’s Disease (Webinar Audio)
The beliefs and perceptions that friends, family, employers and even strangers hold about Parkinson’s disease (PD) shape the experience of living with the disease. Facing misperceptions and stigma can cause isolation and worsen symptoms. Tune into audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar to listen to our panel of experts have a candid and compassionate conversation about times they’ve faced stigma, how they’ve navigated it and how they’re working to change misperceptions of Parkinson’s to improve life for everyone living with the disease.
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How Engagement Helps Your Journey with Parkinson's
There are so many ways to get involved with Parkinson’s disease, from community building to advocacy, research participation to fundraising. Taking that first step toward involvement can be daunting, but many people say it’s a critical part of living well with the disease. In this episode of The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast, members of the Foundation’s Patient Council share stories of their own first steps, explore how engagement has impacted their journeys and offer advice and perspective to others who are looking for ways to make meaningful change. Tune in to hear guest hosts Ji...
How Do You Feel with Parkinson’s? A Special Edition Webinar on Emotions (Webinar Audio)
Life with Parkinson’s comes with a vast range of emotions, wherever you are in your disease journey. Shock, grief, optimism, fear, denial, hope, humor and more can all be a part of the emotional landscape for people living with the disease and their loved ones. Tune into audio from this special edition Third Thursdays Webinar to listen to our panel of experts have a frank and deep conversation about how they’ve navigated their feelings over the years, how they’ve managed challenging emotions and what lifts them up and brings them hope.
Like our podcasts? Please...
How Do You Feel with Parkinson’s? A Special Edition Webinar on Emotions (Webinar Audio)
Life with Parkinson’s comes with a vast range of emotions, wherever you are in your disease journey. Shock, grief, optimism, fear, denial, hope, humor and more can all be a part of the emotional landscape for people living with the disease and their loved ones. Tune into audio from this special edition Third Thursdays Webinar to listen to our panel of experts have a frank and deep conversation about how they’ve navigated their feelings over the years, how they’ve managed challenging emotions and what lifts them up and brings them hope.
Like our podcasts? Please...
Sniff Test: Surprising New Learnings About Smell Loss and Parkinson’s (Webinar Audio)
Smell loss can be among the earliest signs of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative diseases, signaling changes in the brain years before other symptoms are noticeable. Because of the link between smell and brain health, researchers are very interested in understanding more about how people with smell loss go on to either develop a disease or not, and why some people with PD still are able to smell. To learn more about the latest research, tune into audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar and listen to expert panelists discuss the science of smell and what scientists are le...
Sniff Test: Surprising New Learnings about Smell Loss and Parkinson’s (Webinar Audio)
Smell loss can be among the earliest warning signs of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative diseases, signaling changes in the brain years before other symptoms are noticeable. Because of the link between smell and brain health, researchers are very interested in understanding more about how people with smell loss go on to either develop a disease or not, and why some people with PD still are able to smell. To learn more about the latest research, tune into audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar and listen to expert panelists discuss the science of smell and what scientists ar...
What Parkinson’s Genetics Mean for Personal Experience and Research
You could take any two humans on earth and their genetic code will be roughly 99 percent the same — it’s the small differences in code that lead to different experiences and outcomes, including the risk of developing diseases like Parkinson’s. Scientists are learning more about which genetic changes are linked to Parkinson’s disease, revealing important insights into disease biology and progression. Tune into this episode of our award-winning “Parkinson’s Science POV” series to learn how researchers are using genetics to better understand the disease and work toward better treatments for all.
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The Path to a Parkinson’s Drug Approval (Webinar Audio)
With three new Parkinson’s treatments approved in the last year, there are more options than ever before for people living with the disease. Tune into audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar to hear movement disorder specialists, research experts and a person living with Parkinson’s answer community questions about the new treatments available, explain how therapies make it through FDA approval and share the latest on treatments in the pipeline.
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The Foundation’s landmark...
What’s in Your Parkinson’s Medicine Cabinet (Ask the MD Podcast)
Movement disorder specialist, lifestyle medicine physician and MJFF Principal Medical Advisor Rachel Dolhun, MD, DipABLM, shares tips on medication management for people at every stage of the disease journey.
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0
The Foundation’s landmark study, the Parkinson’s Progression Marker’s Initiative, also known as PPMI, is recruiting volunteers. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi.
Mentioned in this episode:
Researchers are studying the link between sense of smel...
Managing the Hidden Symptoms: Mood and Motivation Changes in Parkinson’s (Webinar Audio)
If depression, anxiety or apathy occur as part of a Parkinson’s journey, it can be easy to feel alone, isolated or unsure of what might bring relief. But there are ways to manage these symptoms. Tune into audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar to hear people living with Parkinson’s share their stories of coping with mood changes as well as a movement disorder specialist and psychiatrist discuss pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments options.
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The...
Your Top Questions on Parkinson’s and Exercise Answered (Ask the MD Podcast)
Movement disorder specialist, lifestyle medicine physician and MJFF Principal Medical Advisor Rachel Dolhun, MD, DipABLM, answers community questions on Parkinson’s and exercise with physical therapist and rehab scientist Cristina Colón-Semenza, PhD.
Listen to the audio or watch the video.
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0
The Foundation’s landmark study, the Parkinson’s Progression Marker’s Initiative, also known as PPMI, is recruiting volunteers. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi.
Mentioned i...
Parkinson’s Care Partners: Not Another “Self-Care” Discussion (Webinar Audio)
Being a care partner to someone with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be a shifting and complex role, as symptoms and life circumstances change. And sometimes, this can lead to stress and even burnout for the care partner. Tune into audio from this Third Thursdays Webinar to hear expert panelists discuss how to navigate care partnership, including everyday strategies to de-stress and find supportive community.
Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0
The Foundation’s landmark study, the Parkinson’s Progressi...
The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Parkinson’s Disease and Brain Health with Puja Agarwal
It is widely known that a healthy diet can provide essential nutrients and lead to a multitude of benefits, but growing evidence has highlighted important links between diet, nutrition, and brain health, particularly related to neurodegenerative disease. In this episode, Dr. Puja Agarwal discusses her research investigating the role that diet and nutrition may play in Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Evidence from her studies and the work of others suggests that certain diets, including the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, are associated with brain health and may have the potential to delay the onset or...
Developing a Novel App to Improve Speech Intelligibility in Parkinson's Disease with Gemma Moya-Galé
Parkinson's disease significantly impacts various aspects of communication, and this can make it challenging for people with the disease to communicate effectively, be understood by others, and engage in social situations. Dr. Gemma Moya-Galé joins this episode to talk about her work on voice and communication in people with Parkinson’s disease. In particular, she discusses a novel app she and her team are developing, with funding from The Michael J. Fox Foundation, to help people with Parkinson’s improve how well their speech is understood. The app uses evidence-based principles from speech therapy and noise-augmented automatic speech recognition to pro...
