#162: Adapting to Life with Parkinson's Disease

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Samantha Evans and explore the complex relationship between perimenopause and Parkinson's symptoms, discussing how hormonal changes can mimic or exacerbate Parkinson's symptoms, and what women can do to manage these overlapping issues. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Hormonal Changes and Parkinson's 01:49 Symptoms Overlap: What to Watch For 03:46 Understanding Perimenopause and Its Timeline 07:10 Sleep Issues in Parkinson's and Menopause 10:02 Tracking Symptoms and Medication Effects 12:52 Hormone Therapy: Safety and Research 18:07 Impact of Menopause on Women's Health and Parkinson's 21:55 Managing Symptoms: Practical Tips and Strategies 29:48 The Future of Research and Women's Health in Parkinson's

What does the first year after a diagnosis really feel like — for the care partner? Darla Dahl, care partner to Dean Dahl (Episode 173), joins Jessica and Melissa to talk about going from hit-like-a-brick-wall to finally not thinking about it 24-7. Darla has been a care partner since 2015 — for her mother-in-law, for her dad — but nothing prepared her for hearing those words about her husband in October 2025. In this honest patient-to-partner conversation she shares what helped most in year one: a virtual Struthers Parkinson's Center support group for newly diagnosed families, giving herself permission to quilt, knit and create even if it's just 10 minutes, and buying an RV in Arizona in January to prove life wasn't over — van life, tailgates, and workouts on the road with bands and free weights. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to The Secret Life of Parkinson's with Darla Dahl 02:30 Diagnosed October 2025 - hit like a brick wall 06:15 Support group + making time to quilt and create 09:40 We bought an RV - van life freedom 13:10 Today thoughts vs future thoughts 16:20 World Parkinson's Congress, anticipatory grief, and lasting friendships 19:30 Thumbs up / thumbs down communication tip 21:30 Last 30 seconds takeaway This episode of The Secret Life of Parkinson's was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. Visit changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving with PD Next Steps home workouts, or join our newsletter. #parkinsons #parkinsonsdisease #caregiving

Get stronger with Parkinson's in just 10 minutes! 💪 Join Melissa and Brian, and a special guest from Minnesota, Dean Dahl, for a simple, effective resistance band workout designed to help people living with Parkinson's build strength, improve mobility, and stay active wherever they are. (Watch till the end to see you decides to peek in!!) Whether you're at home, traveling, or looking for a quick workout, these exercises can be adapted to your fitness level. Dean demonstrates easy modifications, including using a chair or wall for stability, exercising with one arm at a time, and using just your body weight if you don't have resistance bands. Remember: Every movement counts! Work within your abilities, take breaks when needed, and use support for balance when necessary. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Dean's Road Workout 00:30 Warm-Up: Shoulder Squats and Presses 01:27 Exercise Modifications 02:28 Resistance Band Squats 03:58 Body Weight Alternatives and Stability Tips 04:55 Lateral Arm Raises and Balance 06:07 Alternating Lunges and Band Pull-Aparts 07:27 Increasing Repetitions and Heart Rate 09:41 Front Extensions and Cool Down ❤️ More than exercise. It's about living well with Parkinson's. Subscribe for more Parkinson's exercise videos, education, and real conversations from Changing Parkinson's. Exercise at your own pace and consult your healthcare provider or physical therapist if you're unsure which movements are appropriate for you. #ParkinsonsExercise #ParkinsonsDisease #ResistanceBandWorkout #ParkinsonsFitness #ChangingParkinsons

In this episode, we dig into how Parkinson's care has shifted from inpatient long-term care to community-based outpatient programs — and why getting connected early helps people stay independent longer. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Parkinson's care evolution 01:47 The history of Parkinson's programs in long-term care 04:10 Growth of community awareness and support events 06:08 Shift from inpatient to outpatient Parkinson's support 08:04 Impact of healthcare policy on nursing home care 09:34 Importance of early supportive services for Parkinson's 11:02 Community engagement and the Parkinson's walk 12:29 Personal stories of resilience and community support 13:54 Resources and encouragement for Parkinson's patients and families This episode was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. And join our PDNextSteps Home Workout Series with over 100 custom workouts delivered to your living room. Visit

Deciding whether to move forward with deep brain stimulation can feel like a huge step. In this episode, we talk with Kelly Geyer about his Parkinson’s journey, what led him to start considering DBS, and how he worked through the decision. Kelly shares what the evaluation process was like, what he hopes DBS will improve, what it can’t fix, and some of the emotional questions that come with making a decision like this. We also talk about device options, surgery, long-term maintenance, personality changes, expectations, and why having a medical team you trust matters so much. If you’re considering DBS—or just starting to wonder whether it could someday be an option for you—Kelly’s experience offers a really honest look at what goes into that decision. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Kelly and His Parkinson’s Story 03:18 – When Medication Wasn’t Enough 05:40 – When DBS Entered the Conversation 06:37 – What the DBS Evaluation Really Looks Like 08:28 – The Emotional Side of Saying Yes to DBS 11:15 – What Kelly Hopes DBS Will Change 12:40 – Understanding What DBS Can—and Can’t—Do 18:49 – Surgery, Device Options and Battery Life 24:58 – Kelly’s Advice for Anyone Considering DBS 25:24 – Finding Support in the Parkinson’s Community This episode was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. And join our PDNextSteps Home Workout Series with over 100 custom workouts delivered to your living room. Visit