Parkinson’s Medication Explained with Professor Jane Alty from the University of Tasmania.

Parkinson’s meds can feel overwhelming. If you don’t know your Entacapone from your elbow, this is the Podcast for you.

The professor cuts through the confusion — busting myths and jargon explaining what each medication actually does, and why treatment should always be personal. From first prescription to advanced therapies, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating Parkinson’s.

Key Topics:

• When is the right time to start Parkinson's medication? (and why waiting isn’t always better)
• Understanding the role of Levodopa and its brand vs. generic versions
• Why dosing isn’t one size fits all
• Managing motor fluctuations and dyskinesia with medication adjustments
• The function and timing of dopamine agonists and side effect considerations ..like risk of gambling
• Managing OFF time, fluctuations, and dyskinesia
• Dopamine agonists: benefits, risks, and side effects
• Pumps, DBS, and other device-assisted therapies
• Supplements like Macuna and CBD: hype vs evidence
• Why honest doctor–patient conversations change outcomes
• Resources including the Parkinson's MOOC for patients and carers

• Parkinson’s UK Medication

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/drugs

Parkinson’s MOOC (massive open online course)

https://mooc.utas.edu.au/course/20392

Parkinson’s Weekly Prof Bas Bloem (talking about Amandatine)

https://oruen.com/category/podcasts/parkinson-weekly

Megan’s Yogathon for Parkinson’s UK

https://www.justgiving.com/page/megan-jones-1764255759495?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Anders M. Leines ‘This is Parkinson’s’

https://www.detteerparkinson.no/en/media

Emma Lawton ‘The Bendy Pencil’

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/thebendypencil

Miracle grandfather battling Parkinson's, 74, survives 60m mountain fall

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2161180/grandfather-battling-parkinsons-survives-60/amp

Season's Greetings from 2 Parkies in a Pod !
Dave and Kuhan get in the festive spirit as they open the postbag and share some truly inspiring stories from the community ..including the challenges of running a nuclear power plant with Parkinson's, more remarkable DNA stories and we hear from friends.. old and new.

Plus 2 Parkies in a Pod receives its own community award !
As always - honest conversations, real lives, and a bit of festive cheer along the way…
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Please rate, review and subscribe!

2parkiesinapod.com

hello@2parkiesinapod.com

Many people living with Parkinson’s struggle to talk about their diagnosis. Fear, stigma, and uncertainty can keep people silent for years. Even Michael J. Fox kept his Parkinson’s diagnosis private for almost a decade.

This week on 2 Parkies in a Pod, we meet Scott and Paul, who share powerful, deeply personal coming out stories — not just about Parkinson’s, but about identity, isolation, and finding the courage to be seen.

Paul reflects on how closely his Parkinson’s journey mirrored his experience of coming out as gay:

“I guess I dealt with Parkinson’s in the same way I dealt with realising I was gay… by not talking to anyone about it for many years"

Scott speaks honestly about living with Parkinson’s while single, gay, and without family support:

“Being single, gay, with no family support, I did feel very isolated — and there weren’t many people I could see in the community that I had anything in common with.”

In one of the episode’s most raw moments, Scott also opens up about experiencing suicidal thoughts and explains how the helplessness he felt during tests for deep brain stimulation treatment resurfaced memories of past sexual abuse. His honesty shines a light on the complex mental health challenges faced by many people with Parkinson’s — challenges that often remain unspoken.

This is a story about vulnerability, survival, and connection. A story of adversity, community and ultimately ...gratitude.

Parkinson’s and The Invisible Man (Scott’s YouTube channel)

https://www.youtube.com/@Parkinsonsandtheinvisibleman

Parkinson’s UK Mental Health

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/symptoms/behavioural/mental-health

Podcast Club

https://localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk/activity/young-onset-parkinsons-online-group

LGBTQIA+ Network

https://localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk/activity/lgbtqia-network-meeting-online

DBS Network

https://forms.gle/ApDHqGaDF38n6wYa7

Join our yoga group

https://dawnwilliamsyoga.co.uk

1 in 3 living alone research insights

https://denpruexeter.nihr.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DeNPRU-Exeter_living-alone-with-a-progressive-neurological-condition_policy-brief.pdf

Par-Con 2025 mental health video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-PwOYRSe4Q&list=PL1ixQpbHed3Y9_jS-WuZePcFa7N_O7aNi&index=7&pp=iAQB0gcJCSkKAYcqIYzv

Hear Me charity

https://www.parkinsons.me/hearme

Nutrition PD

http://prksn.uk/47RAlmu

Please rate, review and subscribe to the podcast

Contact us at:

hello@2parkiesinapod.com