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.

"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.Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmiMentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

12-17
01:20:14

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 scientific portfolio manager, MJFF Brian Fiske, PhD, chief scientist, MJFF Mark Frasier, PhD, chief scientist, MJFF 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 Markers Initiative, also known as PPMI, is recruiting volunteers. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi Mentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

12-09
37:45

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.  Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0 Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmiRead more about this year in research at https://viewer.joomag.com/2025-year-in-review/0030141001760361264Mentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

11-24
59:31

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. Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your network. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0  Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing everything. Find out more at michaeljfox.com/podcast-ppmi Mentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

11-05
59:55

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.Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi.Mentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

10-22
52:37

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 lives and tips for people entering a new phase of their life.  Check out our free employment guide. https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/workplace-challenges  Like our podcasts? Rate or review the show and share the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0 The Foundation’s landmark study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, also known as PPMI, is recruiting volunteers. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmiMentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

10-07
41:36

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. Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0 Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi. This webinar was produced with support from Biohaven. https://www.biohavenclinicaltrials.com/clinical-studies/parkinsons-disease/  Mentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

09-23
53:19

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 learned along the way. Check out our free employment guide. https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/workplace-challengesLike our podcasts? Rate or review the show and share the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0The Foundation’s landmark study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, also known as PPMI, is recruiting volunteers. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi.Mentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

09-10
47:20

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.  Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0 Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi. This webinar was produced with support from BlueRock Therapeutics.  Mentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

08-26
52:29

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 J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Podcast, our expert panel tackles questions on relationships and shares their personal experiences and advice. To connect with others for support and community, join the Parkinson’s Buddy Network. https://parkinsonsbuddynetwork.michaeljfox.org/ Like our podcasts? Rate or review the show and share the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0 The Foundation’s landmark study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, also known as PPMI, is recruiting volunteers. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmiMentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

08-19
39:44

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.  Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0 Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmiMentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

07-22
57:18

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/3p02Jw0 Learn more about the many ways to get involved today at michaeljfox.orgWhether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmiMentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

07-16
36:06

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 Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmiMentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

07-09
54:27

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/ Like our podcasts? Rate or review the show and share the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0 The Foundation’s landmark study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, also known as PPMI, is recruiting volunteers. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi. Mentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

06-18
45:03

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.  Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a rating or review and sharing the series with your community. https://apple.co/3p02Jw0 Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can help move research forward. Join the study that’s changing everything at michaeljfox.org/podcast-ppmi.    Mentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

05-28
53:07

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 Jimmy Choi, diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003, and Hadley Ferguson, diagnosed with multiple system atrophy (MSA-P), an atypical Parkinsonism in 2014, reflect on those stories, recorded live in the MJFF offices.  Learn more about the many ways to get involved today at michaeljfox.org. 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:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

05-20
41:02

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 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:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

04-23
01:17:31

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 learning about its connection to disease. 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:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

03-26
56:15

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.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.  This episode was made possible by Prevail Therapeutics. Partner support allows us to furnish high-quality educational content to the Parkinson's community while maintaining our commitment to allocate donor dollars to high-impact research. Editorial control of all Michael J. Fox Foundation-published content rests solely with the Foundation. Mentioned in this episode:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

03-17
38:44

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.   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:Research will move us closer to a cure for Parkinson’s — but we can’t do it without you. Help us accelerate more life-changing breakthroughs by visiting michaeljfox.org/givetoresearch to donate today.

02-26
58:07

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