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When Life Gives You Parkinson’s

When Life Gives You Parkinson’s

10 million people in the World have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Yet, so few people seem to know much about it.

Harnessing the Healing Power of Infrared Light

Larry & Rebecca Gifford dive into the growing interest and research being conducted around red light and infrared light laser therapy for Parkinson’s disease. In Hamilton, Ontario PD Avenger and care partner Lorna Dueck, a retired radio and TV host, visits Gaitway Physical Therapy. She interviews physiotherapist Orla Hares and research assistant Jenna Sykes. Intrigued, Larry tracks down the CEO of Symbyx Biome, Dr. Wayne Markman of Australia, to discuss the handheld laser being used on the gut and vagus nerve and the infrared helmet – both designed to reactivate the mitochondria inside the dopamine cells.  and learns more about the research, science and tradition of therapy of light which dates back to Florence Nightingale in the 1850s. KEY LINKS Symbyx Biome https://symbyxbiome.com/en-ca CEO Wayne Markman featured in Forbes Australia ·        Find out how this Australian med-tech company is tackling Parkinson’s disease Gaitway Physical Therapy https://gaitwayneurophysio.com/research/ Lorna Dueck https://lornadueckcreative.com/ ·        Context Beyond the Headlines: Lorna Dueck’s journey through Parkinson’s with her beloved Vern. Her final appearance as host of the TV Show featuring PD Avengers founders Soania Mathur, Tim Hague Sr, and Larry Gifford. APDA Light Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease MAIL Larry and Rebecca: [email protected] Have questions, comments, or a story idea? We would love you to click here and leave a message  https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow us, Larry & Rebecca Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Thanks to Curiouscast Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Greg Schott – Sound Design Our Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada. Thanks also to our content and promotional partners The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s landmark study Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)    PD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us. World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website.  Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.  
May 31, 2023

Biomarker Breakthrough w/ Debi Brooks CEO of The Michael J Fox Foundation

The banner headline on the homepage of the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s website reads “Breaking News: Parkinson’s Disease Biomarker Found.” It sounds exciting, but what does it really mean? Debi Brooks, CEO and cofounder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, joins Larry Gifford for a chat about what she says is the most important finding the Foundation has discovered in its history. It is already changing the way researchers recruit for some studies. It will lead to faster diagnosis, more customized and personalized treatment, faster, cheaper, more targeted pharmaceuticals, and ultimately it is another step closer to stopping Parkinson's in its tracks. Important Links The Lancet Neurology Article The Michael J. Fox Foundation Coverage of the Biomarker PPMI: The Study That's Changing Everything STAT Article featuring Michael J. Fox's reaction Michael J. Fox Op-Ed for STAT The Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada... where people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything they do. Parkinson Canada funds critical research, provides information and support, increases awareness and advocates for improved healthcare outcomes for people with Parkinson's across Canada. Learn more at Parkinson.ca Thank you to our promotional partners Spotlight YOPD PD Avengers World Parkinson Congress 2023 in Barcelona
April 19, 2023

Is Trichloroethylene an invisible cause of Parkinson’s?

Trichloroethylene (TCE). You cannot see it or smell it. It could be in the air you breath, the water you drink, and the food you eat. It is a carcinogen and is linked to clusters of cancer and Parkinson’s. In Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, Dr. Ray Dorsey at the University of Rochester and eleven colleagues have published a research article asking the question “Is Trichlorethylene an invisible cause of Parkinson’s?” The authors go on to make a convincing case. Dr. Dorsey joins the podcast to explain the dangers of TCE, how it seeps into ground water, your home, schools, and office buildings, how to protect yourself, and where you can look to see if a TCE Superfund site is near where you live.  KEY LINKS BOOK: ENDING PARKINSON’S DISEASE; A PRESCRIPTION FOR ACTION JOURNAL OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE (SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL)  Trichloroethylene: An Invisible Cause of Parkinson’s Disease? THE GUARDIAN (UK) Rates of Parkinson’s disease are exploding. A common chemical may be to blame (TCE) Secret files suggest chemical giant feared weedkiller’s link to Parkinson’s disease (Paraquat) NEW YORK NEWSDAY (NY/USA) A NEWSDAY INVESTIGATION: The Grumman Plume; Decades of Deceit CBS MORNING (USA) Service members and families affected by toxic water at Camp Lejeune Marine base still seeking justice decades later LOS ANGELES TIMES (CA/USA) Is a common industrial chemical fueling the spread of Parkinson’s disease? THE TORONTO STAR (ON/CAN) Dry cleaning chemical linked to Parkinson’s in international study (2011/Canada) DAYTON DAILY NEWS (OH/USA) VOICES: How toxic industrial spills have contaminated our groundwater EPA FACT SHEET | TRICHLOROETHYLENE EPA SUPERFUND HOME PAGE  WIKIPEDIA CANADIAN FEDERAL CONTAMINATED SITES INVENTORY (FCSI) CONTAMINATED SITES HOMEPAGE Much gratitude for your content A Civil Action: Touchstone Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Wildwood Enterprises, Inc  SaferChemicals on YouTube WATCH “TOXIC CHEMICAL LOBBY: EXCLUSIVE LEAKED FOOTAGE” EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: [email protected] Have questions, comments, or a story idea?  We would love you to click here and leave a message https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow us, Larry & Rebecca Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Thanks to Curiouscast Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Greg Schott – Sound Design Our Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada. Thanks also to our content and promotional partners  The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s landmark study Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)   PD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us.  World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website.  Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 
March 29, 2023

The Promise of Lithium as a Parkinson’s Disease Modifying Treatment

Lithium is more than a drug, it’s the third element on the Periodic Table of Elements. Symbol is LI. It’s lightest metal known to mankind. Lithium-ion batters are used in electric cars. Lithium is also present in vaping devices, many personal electronics such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops, E-Bikes, electric toothbrushes, tools, hoverboards, scooters, and for solar power backup storage. Its origins can be traced back to the Big Bang.  For 70 years it’s successfully been used to treat bi-polar disease. Now there’s hope it could be game changing for Parkinson’s disease. Tom Guttuso Jr., MD is a professor of Neurology at the University of Buffalo and Co Director of the Movement Disorder. His new book, titled the Promise of Lithium: How an Over-The-Counter Supplement May Prevent and Slow Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.” Dr. Guttuso joins the pod to discuss the potential of Lithium and stopping Parkinson’s.  Much Gratitude for your music: Nirvana Lithium Evanescence Lithium Pink We’ve Got Scurvy from the album Sponge Bob’s Greatest Hits The Steve Miller Band Fly Like an Eagle EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: [email protected] Have questions, comments, or a story idea?  We would love you to click here and leave a message https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow us, Larry & Rebecca Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod KEY LINKS  BOOK: The Promise of Lithium: How an Over-the-Counter Supplement May Prevent and Slow Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease Thanks to Curiouscast Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Our Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada. Thanks also to our content and promotional partners  The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s IQ + You Events PD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us.  World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website.  Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 
February 1, 2023

Muhammad Ali’s Parkinson’s Journey w/ May May Ali and Michael S. Okun, MD

January 17 marks the 81st anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest Parkinson’s advocates of all time, Muhammad Ali. In this episode, we learn more about the champ’s journey from his eldest daughter Maryum “May May” Ali – the stigma her father dealt with after his diagnosis, when she first noticed changes in her dad, struggles with speaking and medication, and how he improved his quality of life.  In addition to exploring Ali’s Parkinson’s legacy, Dr. Michael S. Okun, the head of neurology for the University of Florida Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, sheds light on Ali’s PD diagnosis. Okun and two other neurologists, the final three neurologists to treat Ali over the course of many years, published an article in October 2022 to clear up misinformation about his diagnosis. Ali was a young onset Parkinson’s disease patient that responds to Levodopa which is different if his Parkinson’s onset due to his boxing career and punches to the head.   EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: [email protected] Have questions, comments, or a story idea?  We would love you to click here and leave a message https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow us, Larry & Rebecca Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod KEY LINKS  Maryum “May May” Ali - website RESOURCES Muhammad Ali and Young-Onset Idiopathic Parkinson Disease—The Missing Evidence Thanks to Curiouscast Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Our Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada. Thanks also to our content and promotional partners  The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s IQ + You Events PD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us.  World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website.  Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 
January 31, 2023

I Don’t Care Just Call It Apathy

One of the dark symptoms of Parkinson’s is apathy. Describing apathy is a bit like describing what it feels like when a dementor in the Harry Potter books kisses a character – the ability to drain happiness and hope from its victims. When a person with Parkinson’s spirals into a an apathetic state they lack motivation and lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. To experience apathy is like being in a bubble of indifference. You stop caring about yourself or other people in your life with a total void of emotion. In this episode we hear firsthand from Jeff and Kristin Krantz what it’s like as a person with Parkinson’s living in a apathetic state and how it impacts the care partner and others in the family. Dr. Bradley McDaniel offers advice on how to escape apathy through pursuit of your meaning in life.  EMAIL Larry and Rebecca: [email protected] Have questions, comments, or a story idea?  We would love you to click here and leave a message https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons Follow us, Larry & Rebecca Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod KEY LINKS  Dr. Bradley McDaniels https://hps.unt.edu/bradley-mcdaniels-phd-crc  Resources Mentioned Ending Parkinson’s Disease book by Ray Dorsey MD, Michael Okun MD, Todd Sherer PhD and Bas Bloem MD, PhD Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl The Spirituality of Imperfection Storytelling and the Search for Meaning by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketchum  Jeff & Kristen Krantz Thanks to Curiouscast Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Our Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada. Thanks also to our content and promotional partners  The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s IQ + You Events PD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us.  World Parkinson Congress 2023 – It’s time to make your congress and hotel registrations. Details on the website.  Spotlight YOPD – One of the only Parkinson’s organizations dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 
November 23, 2022
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When Life Gives You Parkinson's

Larry Gifford has Parkinson’s disease, and he wants to talk about it. When Life Gives You Parkinson’s chronicles Larry’s journey following diagnosis at age 45, but he knows he’s only part of the story.

The podcast gives voice to the fascinating people that make up the Parkinson’s community and beyond — his family, his fellow people with Parkinson’s, care partners, advocates, researchers and healthcare providers. Through these interviews, the podcast informs and inspires others to share their own stories revealing the challenges and growth offered by the Parkinson’s journey.

Larry is a seasoned broadcaster and the podcast is co-hosted by then-radio personality Niki Reitmayer until 2020 when Larry’s wife Rebecca takes on the role. Special thank you to our partners. Presenting partner is Parkinson Canada, content and promotional partner Spotlight YOPD, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Parkinson’s IQ + You, PD Avengers, World Parkinson Congress #WPC2023 in Barcelona, Spain.

Host

Larry Gifford

Larry Gifford

Larry Gifford is a radio veteran, Parkinson's advocate, and podcast host. Following his diagnosis with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease at age 45, he launched "When Life Gives You Parkinson’s," a podcast that provides a first-hand perspective on living with the condition.

In 2020, Larry cofounded PD Avengers, a global coalition committed to ending Parkinson's disease. He has also moderated and hosted dozens of Parkinson's-related events, including for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and serves as National Director of Talk Radio for Corus Entertainment in Canada.

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