”We need to start moving away from the idea that there will be ‘a cure.’ There will be many cures, and all cures are not going to come in an equal way…” In this deep-diving episode, we sit down with Alberto Espay, MD to dig into what’s really stalling the research community, how bad actors take advantage of the placebo effect, and what people with Parkinson’s can do to push for change.
~~~ HOSTS ~~~
Melissa Livingston | @missmliv
Esther Labib-Kiyarash | @shakinginmyboots1
Chris Sutphin | @cesutphin
with support from hosting organization, Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance
~~~ GUEST ~~~
Alberto Espay, MD
Professor and Endowed Chair of the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Center for Parkinson’s Disease at the University of Cincinnati
Explore his work >
~~~ LEARN MORE ~~~
READ | The Science Behind Parkinson’s from Cure Parkinson’s UK
WATCH | Parkinson’s Research YouTube Playlist from PMD Alliance
JOIN YOPN | PMD Alliance’s Free Membership Program for People with YOPD
Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share! Because the conversation continues in the comments on Podbean, across social media, and in YOPN’s Monthly Community Gatherings. Tell us what you think!
My name is Michael Quaglia, and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at the age of 42 in October 2006. For the next eight years, I worked tirelessly to climb the corporate ladder, hoping to accumulate enough wealth before the symptoms of the disease forced me into early retirement. Looking back, I wish I had made different choices.
In 2014, I stumbled upon two articles that changed the course of my life. The first was a study by the Cleveland Clinic, which found that "forced exercise" could significantly improve Parkinson's symptoms. The second was a video made by a small non-profit organization called Rock Steady Boxing, which demonstrated the benefits of non-contact boxing for people with Parkinson's.
Inspired by the potential benefits of exercise and boxing for Parkinson's patients, I dedicated my life to helping others and myself fight back against the symptoms of the disease. As a result, I have become an advocate for people with Parkinson's and an active member of the Parkinson's community.
To help get the word out in 2016 I started a Podcast "2 Mikes" with a friend Mike Achin. Seven years later we're sponsored by the Young Onset Parkinson's Network, we have numerous cohosts and our content resonates with the PD community.
Before my diagnosis, I worked as a Sales Manager for Engineering staffing agencies, but my journey with Parkinson's has led me down a different path, one in which I find fulfillment and purpose in making a positive impact on the lives of others.
