The Secret Life of Parkinson's

Please take our membership survey https://bit.ly/4yVr47ONearly a year after his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Dean Dahl reflects on moving through the initial shock, learning to focus on the present, and finding connection through a Parkinson’s buddy and exercise. He joined us in Ohio to discuss Rock Steady Boxing, medication conversations, family life, and the work of the Changing Parkinson’s community.Chapters00:00 Hosts preview a possible viewer membership02:46 Dean Dahl returns nearly a year after diagnosis04:42 Learning to cherish today instead of worrying about tomorrow08:03 The World Parkinson Congress becomes a turning point10:29 A Parkinson’s buddy offers support in a shared language13:14 How Rock Steady Boxing helped Dean get moving15:10 Building an exercise routine that travels with him17:09 Grandfatherhood, tremors, and what family sees18:36 Medication, ropinirole, and impulse-control concerns23:01 Balancing symptoms and medication decisions24:19 Choosing humor, activity, and the present26:13 The 5K for JK and Changing Parkinson’s mission33:18 Dean’s message: find community and keep exercisingThis episode of The Secret Life of Parkinson's was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. Visit www.changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving with PDNextSteps home workouts, or join our newsletter.

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Samantha Evans and explore the complex relationship between perimenopause and Parkinson's symptoms, discussing how hormonal changes can mimic or exacerbate Parkinson's symptoms, and what women can do to manage these overlapping issues.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Hormonal Changes and Parkinson's01:49 Symptoms Overlap: What to Watch For03:46 Understanding Perimenopause and Its Timeline07:10 Sleep Issues in Parkinson's and Menopause10:02 Tracking Symptoms and Medication Effects12:52 Hormone Therapy: Safety and Research18:07 Impact of Menopause on Women's Health and Parkinson's21:55 Managing Symptoms: Practical Tips and Strategies29:48 The Future of Research and Women's Health in Parkinson'sThis episode of The Secret Life of Parkinson's was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. Visit changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving with PD Next Steps home workouts, or join our newsletter.#parkinsons #perimenopause #menopause #hrt #hormonereplacementtherapy

What does the first year after a diagnosis really feel like — for the care partner? Darla Dahl, care partner to Dean Dahl (Episode 173), joins Jessica and Melissa to talk about going from hit-like-a-brick-wall to finally not thinking about it 24-7.Darla has been a care partner since 2015 — for her mother-in-law, for her dad — but nothing prepared her for hearing those words about her husband in October 2025. In this honest patient-to-partner conversation she shares what helped most in year one: a virtual Struthers Parkinson's Center support group for newly diagnosed families, giving herself permission to quilt, knit and create even if it's just 10 minutes, and buying an RV in Arizona in January to prove life wasn't over — van life, tailgates, and workouts on the road with bands and free weights.Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to The Secret Life of Parkinson's with Darla Dahl 02:30 Diagnosed October 2025 - hit like a brick wall 06:15 Support group + making time to quilt and create 09:40 We bought an RV - van life freedom 13:10 Today thoughts vs future thoughts 16:20 World Parkinson's Congress, anticipatory grief, and lasting friendships 19:30 Thumbs up / thumbs down communication tip 21:30 Last 30 seconds takeawayThis episode of The Secret Life of Parkinson's was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. Visit changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving with PD Next Steps home workouts, or join our newsletter.#parkinsons #parkinsonsdisease #caregiving

Get stronger with Parkinson's in just 10 minutes! 💪Join Melissa and Brian, and a special guest from Minnesota, Dean Dahl, for a simple, effective resistance band workout designed to help people living with Parkinson's build strength, improve mobility, and stay active wherever they are. (Watch till the end to see you decides to peek in!!)Whether you're at home, traveling, or looking for a quick workout, these exercises can be adapted to your fitness level. Dean demonstrates easy modifications, including using a chair or wall for stability, exercising with one arm at a time, and using just your body weight if you don't have resistance bands.Remember: Every movement counts! Work within your abilities, take breaks when needed, and use support for balance when necessary.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Dean's Road Workout00:30 Warm-Up: Shoulder Squats and Presses01:27 Exercise Modifications02:28 Resistance Band Squats03:58 Body Weight Alternatives and Stability Tips04:55 Lateral Arm Raises and Balance06:07 Alternating Lunges and Band Pull-Aparts07:27 Increasing Repetitions and Heart Rate09:41 Front Extensions and Cool Down❤️ More than exercise. It's about living well with Parkinson's.Subscribe for more Parkinson's exercise videos, education, and real conversations from Changing Parkinson's.Exercise at your own pace and consult your healthcare provider or physical therapist if you're unsure which movements are appropriate for you.#ParkinsonsExercise #ParkinsonsDisease #ResistanceBandWorkout #ParkinsonsFitness #ChangingParkinsons

In this episode, we dig into how Parkinson's care has shifted from inpatient long-term care to community-based outpatient programs — and why getting connected early helps people stay independent longer.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Parkinson's care evolution01:47 The history of Parkinson's programs in long-term care04:10 Growth of community awareness and support events06:08 Shift from inpatient to outpatient Parkinson's support08:04 Impact of healthcare policy on nursing home care09:34 Importance of early supportive services for Parkinson's11:02 Community engagement and the Parkinson's walk12:29 Personal stories of resilience and community support13:54 Resources and encouragement for Parkinson's patients and familiesThis episode was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. And join our PDNextSteps Home Workout Series with over 100 custom workouts delivered to your living room. Visithttp://changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving, or join our newsletter.