Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson's

You don't have to have Parkinson's disease (PD), or even know someone who does, to help make a difference. Although you may not personally know someone living with Parkinson's, nearly 90,000 people are diagnosed each year. Having a basic understanding of the disease and how it can present is critical to raising awareness and helping people recognize the signs of PD in themselves or someone they know. Earlier diagnosis can lead to timely treatment, better health outcomes, and an improved quality of life.   Parkinson's has long been viewed as an "old man's disease," creating the misconception that it only affects older adults. In this episode, Bryan Geenen and Prajakti Barot, Parkinson's Foundation Ambassadors in Colorado, share why they chose to become volunteers and how they're helping challenge that stereotype. They discuss why younger generations play a vital role in raising awareness, bringing fresh perspectives, and inspiring others to take action.  Key Takeaways:  As more people are diagnosed with Parkinson's each year, younger generations have an opportunity to bring fresh ideas and technology to build on past work.  Knowing the common signs of PD helps educate others about the disease.   You don't have to know someone with PD to make a positive impact on the Parkinson's community.  Follow and rate us on your favorite podcast platform to be notified when there's a new episode! Let us know what other topics you would like us to cover by visiting parkinson.org/feedback. 

Want more? Listen to the full episode at parkinson.org/Podcasts. Sleep problems affect more than 75% people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and can have a significant impact on day to day life. Common challenges include difficulty falling or staying asleep, excessive sleepiness during the day, and acting out dreams while asleep.  This episode focuses on REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep Behavior Disorder, or RBD, a condition in which people may verbally and/or physically act out their dreams. These instances can increase the risk of injury for both the person with Parkinson's and their bed partner, making awareness and symptom management especially important. We invited Dr. Aleksandar Videnovic, Chief of the Division of Sleep Neurology at Massachusetts General Brigham, along with Caron Gan and John Poma, members of the NAPS Consortium on REM Sleep Behavior Disorders, to share insights on what RBD is, why it happens, and strategies for managing symptoms.

Sleep problems affect more than 75% people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and can have a significant impact on day to day life. Common challenges include difficulty falling or staying asleep, excessive sleepiness during the day, and acting out dreams while asleep. This episode focuses on REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep Behavior Disorder, or RBD, a condition in which people may verbally and/or physically act out their dreams. These instances can increase the risk of injury for both the person with Parkinson's and their bed partner, making awareness and symptom management especially important. We invited Dr. Aleksandar Videnovic, Chief of the Division of Sleep Neurology at Massachusetts General Brigham, along with Caron Gan and John Poma, members of the NAPS Consortium on REM Sleep Behavior Disorders, to share insights on what RBD is, why it happens, and strategies for managing symptoms. Key Takeaways:  Growing research shows that RBD can precede a Parkinson's diagnosis by several years.   RBD symptoms can change over time and may include physically and/or verbally acting out dreams.   Sleep disturbances and fragmented sleep can contribute to fatigue and may worsen other PD symptoms.   Practical Strategies:  Remove objects near the bed that may cause injury.  Lower the bed or mattress to reduce the risk of falls.  Create a consistent sleep schedule.  Keep a sleep diary to track symptoms and patterns.  Find an "RBD buddy" to share stories and tips.  Follow and rate us on your favorite podcast platform to be notified when there's a new episode! Let us know what other topics you would like us to cover by visiting parkinson.org/feedback. 

¡Siga y califíquenos en su plataforma favorita de podcasts para recibir notificaciones cuando salga un nuevo episodio! Cuéntenos que otros temas le gustaría que cubriéramos visitando parkinson.org/podcastencuesta.  Muchas personas asumen que los problemas para tragar, o la disfagia, solo ocurren en las etapas más avanzadas de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP). En realidad, como estos cambios pueden desarrollarse gradualmente y aparecer antes de lo esperado, la detección temprana es fundamental. Saber qué señales buscar puede ayudar a las personas con Parkinson y a sus seres queridos a obtener el apoyo y la atención que necesitan.  En la parte 1 de esta serie de dos partes, hablamos con Martha Suárez Torres, terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje y aliado en el cuidado de su esposo con Parkinson, sobre cómo los cambios al tragar pueden afectar a las personas con la EP y cuándo es momento de buscar ayuda de un especialista. También comparte estrategias para reconocer cambios en casa, manejar la deglución de manera segura y explica cómo los familiares y seres queridos desempeñan un papel importante al informar cambios con el tiempo.  Manténgase atento a la parte 2, donde continuamos nuestra conversación con Martha mientras habla sobre cómo abordar los desafíos de comunicación al cuidar a alguien con Parkinson. Durante el episodio, Martha menciona un curso en línea sobre cómo entender el papel de la atención neuropaliativa para apoyar a un ser querido con Parkinson. Obtenga más información aquí, actualmente disponible en inglés. Recursos en español:  Lea nuestra hoja informativa sobre "el habla y la deglución (tragar) en el Parkinson".  Aprenda cómo puede ayudar un terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje.  Explore más sobre los cambios en el habla y la deglución en el Parkinson. Puntos clave:  La detección temprana es fundamental para reconocer los cambios al tragar y recibir el tratamiento y el apoyo adecuados.  Los cambios al tragar pueden ser difíciles de detectar. Conocer las señales comunes puede ayudar a las personas con la EP y a sus aliados en la atención a notar un cambio y buscar apoyo.  Los especialistas del habla y el lenguaje con frecuencia pueden brindar atención en persona o por telesalud. Si el acceso a la atención es limitado, aprender estrategias prácticas y saber cuándo buscar apoyo profesional puede ayudar a las personas a seguir manejando los síntomas en casa. 

Interest in the gut microbiome and its potential role in Parkinson's disease (PD) continues to grow. Before exploring the latest research, it's helpful to understand what the microbiome is, the role it plays in overall health, and why researchers are studying its connection to Parkinson's.   In this episode, we speak with Dr. Lisa Deuel from the University of Vermont Medical Center about what researchers currently know, and don't know, about the relationship between the gut and Parkinson's. She explains the gut-brain connection and discusses common gastrointestinal issues experienced by people with Parkinson's, such as constipation and gastroparesis (limited ability to empty the stomach). She wraps up by sharing practical strategies to support gut health. Key Takeaways: Research is still limited on whether changes in the gut microbiome may contribute to the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Gastrointestinal issues, including constipation and gastroparesis, are common non-movement symptoms of Parkinson's. Practical Strategies for Supporting Gut Health: Stay hydrated and drink water  Eat a high fiber diet in moderation Consider probiotics  Stay active and moving Follow and rate us on your favorite podcast platform to be notified when there's a new episode! Let us know what other topics you would like us to cover by visiting parkinson.org/feedback.