Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson's

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Muchas personas asumen que los problemas para tragar, o la disfagia, solo ocurren en las etapas más avanzadas de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP). En realidad, como estos cambios pueden desarrollarse gradualmente y aparecer antes de lo esperado, la detección temprana es fundamental. Saber qué señales buscar puede ayudar a las personas con Parkinson y a sus seres queridos a obtener el apoyo y la atención que necesitan. 

En la parte 1 de esta serie de dos partes, hablamos con Martha Suárez Torres, terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje y aliado en el cuidado de su esposo con Parkinson, sobre cómo los cambios al tragar pueden afectar a las personas con la EP y cuándo es momento de buscar ayuda de un especialista. También comparte estrategias para reconocer cambios en casa, manejar la deglución de manera segura y explica cómo los familiares y seres queridos desempeñan un papel importante al informar cambios con el tiempo. 

Manténgase atento a la parte 2, donde continuamos nuestra conversación con Martha mientras habla sobre cómo abordar los desafíos de comunicación al cuidar a alguien con Parkinson.

Durante el episodio, Martha menciona un curso en línea sobre cómo entender el papel de la atención neuropaliativa para apoyar a un ser querido con Parkinson. Obtenga más información aquí, actualmente disponible en inglés.

Recursos en español: 

Lea nuestra hoja informativa sobre "el habla y la deglución (tragar) en el Parkinson". 



Aprenda cómo puede ayudar un terapeuta del habla y el lenguaje. 


Explore más sobre los cambios en el habla y la deglución en el Parkinson.


Puntos clave: 

La detección temprana es fundamental para reconocer los cambios al tragar y recibir el tratamiento y el apoyo adecuados. 


Los cambios al tragar pueden ser difíciles de detectar. Conocer las señales comunes puede ayudar a las personas con la EP y a sus aliados en la atención a notar un cambio y buscar apoyo. 


Los especialistas del habla y el lenguaje con frecuencia pueden brindar atención en persona o por telesalud. Si el acceso a la atención es limitado, aprender estrategias prácticas y saber cuándo buscar apoyo profesional puede ayudar a las personas a seguir manejando los síntomas en casa.

Interest in the gut microbiome and its potential role in Parkinson's disease (PD) continues to grow. Before exploring the latest research, it's helpful to understand what the microbiome is, the role it plays in overall health, and why researchers are studying its connection to Parkinson's.
 
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Lisa Deuel from the University of Vermont Medical Center about what researchers currently know, and don't know, about the relationship between the gut and Parkinson's. She explains the gut-brain connection and discusses common gastrointestinal issues experienced by people with Parkinson's, such as constipation and gastroparesis (limited ability to empty the stomach). She wraps up by sharing practical strategies to support gut health.
Key Takeaways:
Research is still limited on whether changes in the gut microbiome may contribute to the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
Gastrointestinal issues, including constipation and gastroparesis, are common non-movement symptoms of Parkinson's.
Practical Strategies for Supporting Gut Health: Stay hydrated and drink water 
Eat a high fiber diet in moderation
Consider probiotics 
Stay active and moving

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Changes in speech and swallowing are common in Parkinson's disease (PD), but they can be difficult to recognize without understanding how they may present. These changes often happen because of lower dopamine levels in people with PD, which can make automatic actions- like speaking loud, clear sentences without requiring much thought- more difficult.  
Parkinson Voice Project developed the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program to help people with PD speak and swallow with intention, addressing these challenges. 
In the episode, we speak with Samantha Elandary, MA, CCC-SLP, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parkinson Voice Project. She discusses the benefits of working with a Certified SPEAK OUT! Provider, how to identify signs of speech and swallowing difficulties, and offers tips for incorporating these techniques into daily life. Toward the end of the episode, Samantha demonstrates a brief speech exercise that takes just a few minutes but can provide meaningful benefits when practiced consistently and intentionally. 
Follow and rate us on your favorite podcast platform to be notified when there's a new episode! Let us know what other topics you would like us to cover by visiting parkinson.org/feedback.

There are countless ways to get involved in raising awareness about Parkinson's disease (PD)- whether it's striking a conversation with someone at the grocery store, signing a petition, or meeting with your local members of congress. At its core, policy change begins with meaningful conversations. The more we openly talk about PD, the more we build understanding, urgency, and momentum to shape the future of Parkinson's care and treatment.
The Parkinson's Foundation recently launched the Advocacy Center as a resource to support anyone looking to get more involved in advocacy. Through this platform, people can receive the latest policy news and find opportunities to engage their legislators to help make an impact in the Parkinson's space. 
In this episode, we speak with Ken Chason, a Parkinson's Foundation Ambassador, US Veteran, and person with Parkinson's, alongside Andi Lipstein Fristedt, the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Policy Officer at the Parkinson's Foundation. Drawing on their experiences in public service, they highlight the many ways to get involved in advocacy, and why this time is especially critical for accelerating change in the Parkinson's policy realm. 
Follow and rate us on your favorite podcast platform to be notified when there's a new episode! Let us know what other topics you would like us to cover by visiting parkinson.org/feedback.

The standard treatment plan for Parkinson's disease (PD) typically begins with medications to help manage symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may worsen or medications may become less effective over time. If this happens, more advanced treatment options may be considered, such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), pump medications, or focused ultrasound. Understanding the potential benefits and risks of each option, and discussing them with your care team, can help you make an informed decision about the next steps in your treatment plan.
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Arjun Tarakad, Associate Professor of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, and Samantha Helton, a person living with young-onset Parkinson's. Mrs. Helton shares her first-hand experience undergoing DBS, including what motivated her to say "yes" to surgery, while Dr. Tarakad discusses what to expect before, during, and after DBS surgery.
Follow and rate us on your favorite podcast platform to be notified when there's a new episode! Let us know what other topics you would like us to cover by visiting parkinson.org/feedback.