The Parkinson's Podcast

• Home Independence and Safety in Parkinson's: What to Plan for at Each Stage

  Occupational therapist and aging-in-place expert Carol Chiang joins us to discuss her new book, Age in Place or Find a New Space. Carol explains why meaningful interactions—not just safety—belong at the center of planning for life with Parkinson's, and how "the choices you make today become the consequences you live with tomorrow." In this podcast episode, Carol discusses the importance of early-stage steps like decluttering and fall-prevention basics, practical visual cueing for freezing, how to break home updates into manageable pieces, and honest caregiver conversations. Carol also shares how to think about modifying a home versus considering a move, and why planning early protects both independence and connection. A grounded, hopeful conversation about creating a home that supports who you are and how you want to live. Learn more about Carol and her work, and find her book at: https://www.EvolvingHomes.com  Explore the OT-curated home-modification resource she mentioned: Ask Samie: https://www.asksamie.com/ Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community: https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup Learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinsons's: https://dpf.org   GUEST BIO Carol Chiang is an Occupational Therapist and founder of Evolving Homes®, specializing in aging-in-place, age tech, and smart home solutions. With 25 years of experience, she helps individuals and families decide whether to "Age in Place" or "Find a New Space®," and supports them through the home changes required at each stage of Parkinson's. A Certified Parkinson's Wellness Recovery therapist and former Olympic-caliber athlete, Carol teaches the importance of planning ahead, using exercise as medicine, and building habits that protect long-term independence. She consults with organizations, startups, and universities worldwide, and has contributed to AARP, the Davis Phinney Foundation, the National Kitchen & Bath Association, and international aging conferences.

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• Parkinson's Related Exhaustion, Personal Care Challenges, and Why Exercise Helps

  In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, hosts Heather Kennedy and Kat Hill, along with Chris Krueger, honor their late friend Wayne Gilbert and explore the challenging distinction between fatigue and apathy. They offer practical advice for managing energy levels, including the counterintuitive insight that more movement can actually reduce tiredness, and share tips for grandparents navigating visits with multiple grandchildren. The conversation also tackles personal grooming struggles, with candid solutions like wash-and-go haircuts, dry shampoo, and simplified self-care routines that make daily life more manageable.  Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community: https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup

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• Gene Therapy for Parkinson's: Myths vs. Facts

  In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast, learn about gene therapy for Parkinson's, including common misunderstandings and ongoing research about it.  This episode contains some technical terms and abbreviations. For your convenience, here is a short list of definitions that might be helpful.   AADC – Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase: An enzyme that helps make dopamine (not a rock and roll band)  AAV – Adeno-Associated Virus: A harmless virus used to deliver gene therapy  CDNF – Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor: A protein that helps keep dopamine-producing cells healthy  DBS – Deep Brain Stimulation: A surgical treatment that uses electrical signals to help control symptoms  GAD – Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase: An enzyme that helps rebalance brain circuits.   GBA – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk  GCH1 – GTP Cyclohydrolase 1: An enzyme that supports dopamine production.   GDNF – Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: A protein that helps protect brain cells  LRRK2 – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk  PARK2 – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk  PET – Positron Emission Tomography: A brain scan that shows chemical activity   PINK1 – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk   SNCA – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk  More information about Gene Therapy for Parkinson's is available here:  https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/blog/gene-therapy-parkinsons/   https://youtu.be/n2KNtRK3SIk  https://youtu.be/v9mJiO4EEag    Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community: https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup

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• Pickleball and Parkinson's: Building Dexterity, Balance, and Community

  In this episode of The Parkinson's Podcast, Foundation Program Manager Beau Boughamer talks with neurologist Vanessa Hinson and Helen Power, a person living with Parkinson's, about the sport that's sweeping the country—and transforming life with Parkinson's.  Dr. Hinson, a movement disorder specialist at the Medical University of South Carolina, shares how pickleball supports balance, coordination, confidence, and connection through her eight-week program for people with Parkinson's. Helen describes how the game brought her movement, joy, and community, proving that staying active can also mean having fun. Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community—delivered to your inbox. https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup  

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• ON-OFF Fluctuations in Parkinson's: Why They Happen and What You Can Do

  In this episode, we talk with Dr. Aaron Haug about what the terms ON and OFF mean in the context of Parkinson's, what ON-OFF fluctuations are, and how to work with your doctor to help manage them. Dr. Haug is a movement disorder specialist based in Englewood, Colorado.  Sign up for updates on webinars, events, and resources for the Parkinson's community—delivered to your inbox. https://dpf.org/newsletter-signup Watch Aaron Haug's video about Tremors and Dyskinesias here: https://youtube.com/shorts/jcjNOnaA0as?feature=share This episode is sponsored by BlueRock Therapeutics. Learn more here: https://www.bluerocktx.com Aaron Haug, MD, is a neurologist and movement disorder specialist in Colorado. He earned his bachelor's degree at Creighton University and his medical degree at the University of Kansas. He completed a neurology residency and a fellowship in movement disorders at the University of Colorado, including a year as chief resident.

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