The Parkinson's Life Podcast

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...

In this episode, which has been initiated and funded by Britannia Pharmaceuticals, we’re looking at what it means to reach an advanced stage of the condition. Because Parkinson’s disease is so individualised, its progression is not black and white. The term ‘advanced’ Parkinson’s generally refers to the stage at which symptoms have a bigger impact on day-to-day life. At this stage, medications may...

In this episode, we look at the relationship between Parkinson’s and sleep. We speak to Cormac and Mary Mehigan, a couple based in Limerick, Ireland, who’ve been married for nearly 25 years. Cormac was diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years ago but has experienced active dreaming and sleeplessness for around six years. They are joined by Brian Magennis, a Parkinson’s advanced nurse practitioner in D...

What’s the relationship between Parkinson’s and creativity? American film-maker, hip-hop artist and person with Parkinson’s Walter J Archey III and UK composer and musician Amy Mallett join us to discuss the interaction between Parkinson’s and creativity. In a lively and enlightening episode, the two discuss: •How Parkinson’s affects creativity – Walter discusses how the condition affects his abil...

How do women experience Parkinson’s differently from men? Join our campaign – #WomenAndParkinsons. Parkinson’s campaigners Omotola Thomas, Sharon Krischer and Mariette Robijn join us for a heartfelt and lively discussion on the particular challenges facing the three million women living with Parkinson’s worldwide. In an enlightening episode the group look at: •The knowledge gap – most Parkinson’s...

How can you speak the same language as your healthcare professional? We bring together Josefa Domingos, a physiotherapist who specialises in Parkinson’s and is based in Lisbon, and her patient of three years, Idelta Oliveira, who was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 60. In an informative and heart-warming conversation, they shed light on:•their strong working relationship, built on trust...

What’s it like managing your working life with Parkinson’s? We bring together Elisabeth Ildal, a politician from Denmark, and Gary Boyle, a former HR manager from Ireland, both of whom have young onset Parkinson’s. In an honest and thought-provoking discussion, they connect over their experiences of:•feeling too “terrified” to tell employers about their diagnosis – and retreating into the Parkinso...

What’s it like caring for a parent or partner with Parkinson’s? We bring together Ola Larsson from Sweden, whose wife Eleonor has Parkinson’s, and Ivona Cudova from the Czech Republic, who cared for her mother Milada for six years after her diagnosis. In an open and honest conversation, they talk candidly about the highs and lows, broaching topics including: •Seeing the person that they care for –...

What’s it like bringing up children, while also living with Parkinson’s? We bring together Canada-based broadcaster Larry Gifford and American blogger and communications director Allison Toepperwein to discuss family life with the condition. Through open, honest – and sometimes emotional – conversation, they share some of the joys and challenges, including:•Talking with children about Parkinson’s,...