The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson's Podcast

Breakthroughs depend on research volunteers, but many people have questions about what participating in a trial means, and how to select the right trial for their goals, needs and lifestyle. Listen to audio from this month’s Third Thursdays Webinar to hear our panel of experts share what to look for in a trial you’re considering and how to navigate the clinical trial process. Like our podcasts? Pl...

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. Like our podc...

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. Like our podcasts? Please...

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...

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 cause...

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 research...

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 betw...

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,...

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 pers...

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,...

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. Like our podcasts? Please consider leaving a...

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...

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. Like our podcasts?...

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...

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...

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 shar...

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 wit...

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 opti...

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...

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 l...

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...

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...

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 lat...

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 b...

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 vi...