EP #1368: How to Move From Acceptance to Advocacy When You are Living with Parkinsons & The Importance of Self-Care

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Summary

In this conversation, Lisa Davis interviews Larry Gifford, co-founder of the PD Avengers podcast and leader of Spark the Night, a global effort to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease. Larry shares his personal experience with Parkinson's, including the early signs and symptoms he experienced. He also discusses his journey to acceptance and how he started his own podcast, When Life Gives You Parkinson's. Larry talks about the deep brain stimulation surgery he underwent and the positive impact it had on his symptoms. He also highlights the importance of sleep issues and nighttime symptoms in Parkinson's and the need for more awareness and research in this area. Larry discusses his involvement with PD Avengers and the global movement to end Parkinson's disease. He encourages people to become PD Avengers and take action to make a difference. Finally, Larry shares his role as a podcast host for the Michael J. Fox podcast and the Bryan Grant Foundation podcast. KeywordsParkinson's disease, early signs, symptoms, deep brain stimulation, sleep issues, PD Avengers, global movement, podcast host, Michael J. Fox podcast, Bryan Grant Foundation podcast

Takeaways

• Early signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease can include changes in gait, fine motor skills, sense of smell, and acting out dreams during sleep.
• Deep brain stimulation surgery can significantly improve motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
• Sleep issues and nighttime symptoms are common in Parkinson's and often overlooked by doctors.
• PD Avengers is a global movement that aims to raise awareness and take action to end Parkinson's disease.
• Exercise, positive attitude, and communication with healthcare providers are important for managing Parkinson's disease.
• Larry Gifford is a podcast host for the Michael J. Fox podcast and the Bryan Grant Foundation podcast.

Sound Bites

• "I was diagnosed when I was 45 years old in 2017, but I can trace symptoms back at least 10 years if not farther."
• "I had deep brain stimulation surgery in October and it cured a lot of my ales for sure, at least temporarily."
• "Sleep issues and nighttime symptoms are different in Parkinson's and often not addressed by doctors."

Chapters00:00Introduction and Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month
06:07Deep Brain Stimulation and its Impact on Symptoms
16:31Raising Awareness about Sleep Issues in Parkinson's
27:44Managing Parkinson's with Exercise and a Positive Attitude