The Parkinson's Life Podcast

“A doctor wants to make us better. But patients want to feel good too.” In this special World Parkinson's Day episode of the Parkinson's Life podcast, we're shining a light on Parkinson's nurses, and the enormous difference they can make to the lives of people living with the condition. Parkinson's nurses are sign-posters, counsellors, prescribers and researchers. But across Europe, access to this...

This podcast has been developed and funded by Merz Therapeutics GmbH.  "90% of women said their neurologist had never asked them about the impact of hormones on their symptoms.” In this special International Women's Day episode, we explore the unique and often overlooked experiences of women living with Parkinson's - from the impact of hormones and the menstrual cycle, to menopause, bone heal...

"I wanted to know what kind of mutation I had, because I wanted to pay attention to the research.” In this episode of the Parkinson’s Life podcast, we’re exploring the world of genetics, the role it plays in Parkinson’s, and how research in this area could transform the future of care for everyone with the condition. Genetics is emerging as one of the most promising areas of research, offering new...

“What we wanted was for people to come together. If it achieves better awareness and better treatment, then I think we've done our job.” As the Parkinson’s Life podcast marks World Parkinson’s Day 2025, we meet Lizzie Graham, co-founder of Parkinson's Europe and our former Secretary General. Lizzie was one of the key driving forces behind the creation of Parkinson’s Europe, then called the Europea...

What are disease modifying therapies (DMTs) and what impact could they have for people living with Parkinson’s? In this episode, we delve into the evolving world of DMTs, exploring their potential to slow, halt, or even reverse the progression of Parkinson's, and the challenges involved in bringing these therapies to fruition. We hear from Philippe, who shares his personal journey with the conditi...

In this episode, we explore deep brain stimulation (DBS) and the impact it can have on people with Parkinson’s. Gerlach Roomans was diagnosed in 2009 and decided to have a DBS procedure after a discussion with his neurologist. He describes how he felt in the lead up to the operation, the experience of DBS itself, and how it has affected his life since. He is joined by Lucy Partington-Smith, a DBS...

In this episode, we look at the role that technology can play in supporting people with Parkinson’s.   UK-based Elaine Payne shares how she uses digital devices to help manage her Parkinson’s symptoms – and why she encourages those with the condition to connect with others in the community.  She talks to Dr Alistair Mackett, a consultant geriatrician at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, UK, who...

In this episode, we focus on sialorrhea. Also known as drooling, this is a common symptom experienced by people with Parkinson’s. UK-based David Bateson, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2015, explains how sialorrhea has impacted his speech, working life and interactions with others. He is joined by Dr Francesca Morgante, a neurologist based at St George’s, University of London – who has be...

Following our previous episode on what to expect with ‘off’ periods in Parkinson’s, this episode focuses on potential management methods. Canada-based Barbara Salsberg Mathews, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2020, shares her personal strategies for tackling ‘off’ states and the impact these have had. She is joined by Dr Silvia Rota, an Italian neurologist and clinical research fellow who...

In this episode we focus on ‘off’ periods – when Parkinson’s medication is not as effective as it should be, and symptoms become more difficult to manage.  US-based Bill Bucklew shares how his ‘off’ periods have evolved since he was diagnosed with the condition in 2012, and how they play a role in his daily life.  Joining him is Dr Valentina Leta, a neurologist based in Italy who highlights the im...

In this episode, we find out what it’s like to manage daily life with an apomorphine pump. Apomorphine is a type of liquid dopamine agonist that is primarily used to treat people living with a more ‘advanced’ stage of Parkinson’s. UK-based Bob Taylor explains how the treatment has helped him adjust to his “rollercoaster” journey with the condition, since he was diagnosed more than two decades ago....

In this episode, we explore gait impairment – a common symptom of Parkinson’s that can involve slowness, muscle stiffness and freezing – and how it impacts people living with the condition. Our first guest is David Little, who lives in Carlisle, UK. Having previously worked as a firefighter, David was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 2005. David has experienced first-hand the effects of gait imp...

This episode explores what it means to take part in Parkinson’s research – from finding out more about clinical trials, to completing surveys about life with the condition. Our first guest is Amelia Hursey, who lives in London, UK. Amelia recently joined the European Parkinson’s Disease Association – the only European Parkinson’s umbrella organisation – as Research Manager, and is passionate about...

This episode delves into the gender gap in Parkinson’s research. It’s estimated that three million women worldwide are living with the condition – but are their specific needs being properly addressed in scientific studies? It’s a topic that is important to our guests, Dr Annelien Oosterbaan – a physician-researcher from the Netherlands – and retired family physician Dr Soania Mathur from Toronto,...

An estimated three million women around the world are living with Parkinson’s. But historically, their specific needs and experiences have been neglected – leading to disparities in diagnosis, treatment and medication. In this episode, Dr Lucía Ferro joins us from Barcelona, Spain. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago, she has since become passionate about raising awareness of the unique cha...

The more we’ve talked to people living with Parkinson’s, the more we’ve learned about the impact of compulsive and impulsive behaviours. A potential side effect of dopamine agonists (that is, commonly prescribed Parkinson’s medications that mimic dopamine in the brain), these might include compulsive gambling, shopping or hypersexuality. In this episode, UK-based Vicki Dillon shares her own diffic...

In our second episode on deep brain stimulation, two guests discuss what life is like after having DBS surgery – from symptoms and charging the device, to check-ups and body image. Our first guest is Peter Schielzeth, a 58-year-old retired Chief Operating Officer, who now does pro bono work for a start-up. Peter lives in Germany with his husband, as well as his pet dog Basti. Peter was diagnosed w...

In this episode, two guests discuss everything there is to consider when making the decision about deep brain stimulation, or DBS. Here to tell us all about her experience is Cathy Molohan, an Irish-born Parkinson’s campaigner based in Germany. Diagnosed with the condition in 2012, Cathy underwent DBS surgery nearly two years ago to address issues with tremor.  Joining her is neurosurgeon Key...

Ever since we first started recording the Parkinson’s Life podcast, we’ve been asking our guests the same three questions, designed to get to the heart of what it’s like to live with Parkinson’s. Describe Parkinson's in three words. What gets you through the day? What has Parkinson's given you – and what has it taken away? How would you answer them? In this end of year special, for the first time,...

In this episode, we’re investigating what it means to pursue passions while living with the condition. Our first guest is Trevor Woollard, who lives in Buckinghamshire, UK. Trevor was inspired by street art and graffiti he saw in New York to pick up a paintbrush – a pursuit that led him to set up a non-profit called ‘Parkinson’s Art’ to support creative projects from people in the community. He sa...

In this episode, four guests join us virtually from around the world to discuss the ways life has changed during the pandemic, how they have managed – and the lessons to be learned from Covid-19. Our first guest is Jens Greve from Germany, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013 – and who, despite the challenges of the pandemic, has found solace in “rediscovering” family time.  He is joine...

In this episode, we’re looking at the relationship between Parkinson’s and fitness – and how to keep your body moving with the condition. A host of research highlights the importance of physical activity for people living with Parkinson’s. But as time goes on, the condition can create new obstacles for those looking to keep up an exercise regime. So how can people with Parkinson’s stay fit? Our fi...

In this episode, we’re focusing on Parkinson’s and food. Food is such a huge part of our lives but how does the way you eat affect Parkinson’s – and does Parkinson’s impact the way you eat? Our first guest is Richelle Flanagan, a dietician based in Dublin, Ireland. Richelle, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017, says nutrition is a missing piece of the Parkinson’s puzzle – and believes that...

In this episode, we’re looking at the impact of Parkinson’s on dating, relationships and breakups. Being in a relationship comes with its own challenges, and these can become even harder to navigate when Parkinson’s is thrown into the mix. When do you tell a potential partner about your condition? How do you handle symptoms that make it difficult to communicate, care or be intimate? Why do some re...

In this episode, we’re looking at the relationship between Parkinson’s and loneliness. There are many reasons that people with Parkinson’s might experience feelings of loneliness – these might include isolation because of communication challenges, stigma surrounding symptoms, and difficulties explaining the realities of the condition to anyone who hasn’t experienced it themselves. A lot of this ha...