Show Notes
Dr. Sara Davies spent years working on the frontlines of neurological rehabilitation when she began noticing something: people with Parkinson’s were often treated differently. Care centered heavily on symptoms and impairments, while the bigger question of how do we help people keep doing the things that actually matter to them was getting lost. That question led Sara into research on metacognition, functional cognition, and cognitive strategy training for people with Parkinson’s. In this episode, she joins Gaia to explore what happens when Parkinson’s care shifts from simply managing symptoms to helping people see themselves as capable problem-solvers who can adapt, build new strategies, and stay engaged in their lives. From the practical Goal-Plan-Do-Check framework to the hidden impact of fatigue, anxiety, apathy, and sleep, Sara challenges the idea that a Parkinson’s diagnosis automatically means giving up the activities, roles, and goals that make you who you are. WHAT WE COVER: Why Sara believes Parkinson’s care needs to move beyond symptom management How metacognition can help people with Parkinson’s become better problem-solvers in daily life The Goal-Plan-Do-Check strategy and how it works in real-world situations Why the environment, routines, reminders, and everyday strategies matter for cognition The gap between knowing exercise is important and actually being able to follow through consistently How fatigue, sleep, anxiety, apathy, and other non-motor symptoms can affect everyday life Why meaningful goals, from exercise to getting dressed the way you want, belong in Parkinson’s rehabilitation How caregivers and families can support independence without taking away autonomy Why neuroplasticity means the brain can continue to adapt throughout life
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🏋️ Train Like An Athlete: Gaia’s work at Parkinson’s Performance Centre—and her belief that people with Parkinson’s can train like athletes—was the inspiration behind the Like An Athlete, Not A Patient podcast. If you’re interested in learning more about Gaia’s program and how PPC helps people with Parkinson’s train with purpose, explore the program HERE.
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SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode changed the way you think about what’s possible while living with Parkinson’s, subscribe to Like An Athlete, Not A Patient and leave a review. It helps more people with Parkinson’s, their families, and the professionals supporting them discover these conversations.
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