On this episode, I discuss what a caregiver needs to know when confronted with psychosis exhibited by their loved one. It is important for caregivers to understand some of the common and reversible causes of psychosis related to Parkinson's disease. The psychosis may manifest as visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations. In some cases, delusional thoughts and paranoia may be present during the psychotic episode. When a loved one experiences psychosis, you must know what kind of medic...

In this episode, I introduce the topic of psychosis as it relates to Parkinson's disease. I review some of the important information about the different forms of psychosis including illusions, hallucinations, and delusional thoughts. This episode will set the stage for the upcoming month of episodes diving deep into this topic. We will discuss the biology of psychosis, the various causes of this problem in PD, and the available treatments. Our discussion on treatments will include both pharma...

One of the greatest challenges for a caregiver of a loved one with Parkinson's disease is managing episodes of psychosis. On today's episode, I interview a caregiver named Sharon. Sharon is a caregiver for her husband with a 14 year history of PD. In the recent years, he has experienced a decline in cognitive function as well as episodes of psychosis that included visual and tactile hallucinations as well as delusional thoughts. Sharon shares some of these experiences with us and expla...

In this episode, I discuss the current recommendations for treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment of Parkinson's disease as well as the Dementia of Parkinson's disease. The discussion includes both pharmacological recommendations as well as non-pharmacological recommendations based upon the available medical literature. We discuss the recent publication of the Movement Disorder Society recommendation for treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia of Parkinson's disease. The Pa...

My guest interview is Dr. Keith Josephs, Professor of Neurology and Research Scientist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Josephs is a world expert on Parkinson's disease and related Atypical Parkinson disorders as well as Alzheimer's disease and other dementia illness. We discuss where Parkinson's disease starts in the peripheral system of the body as well as in the brain. He shares his thoughts about the research looking into the types of pathological changes that happen...

This month, we will turn our attention to cognition in people with Parkinson's disease. In this introduction episode, I talk about the clinical diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment of Parkinson's disease and what this actually means. I discuss how this condition may progress throughout the course of the illness. I discuss Dementia of Parkinson's disease and the prevalence rate of this condition. This month, we will focus on the neuropathology of cognitive changes of Parkinson's disease and...

In this episode, we conclude the month long topic of swallow impairment in Parkinson's disease. I share treatment recommendations with you from two interviews conducted with local speech and language pathologist who specialize in swallowing therapy. Juliana and Tiffany share practice and very useful advice that care partners and caregivers will benefit from to help their loved one. I also present the recommendations from a multidisciplinary consensus panel that published their treatmen...

In this episode, I discuss the process of swallowing and areas of dysfunction of swallowing in Parkinson's disease. I explain the three phases of swallowing and many of the problems that occur in each stage related to Parkinson's disease. Then I describe testing available to assess for swallowing dysfunction. To further explain the diagnostics available for swallowing impairment, I interviewed Juliana Harl, a Speech-Language Pathologist in practice who specializes in Parkinson's disease. Sh...

In this episode, I introduce the topic for the month of January on this podcast. The topic is swallowing dysfunction of Parkinson's disease. The medical term for swallowing impairment is dysphagia. This month we will dive deep into this topic reviewing the potential problems that may occur for people with Parkinson's disease. I introduce the topic today. In the following shows, we will discuss in great detail the testing options, treatment options, and nutritional support for swallowing impai...

Thank you for supporting the Parkinson's Disease Caring Podcast in 2021! We are looking forward to a great year ahead. The format of the Podcast will change slightly this year. Each month or two, the podcast will focus on a clinical problem that is commonly reported in the PD clinic. I will dedicate the weekly shows to this topic and dive deep into the information you need to know related to this topic. I will add interviews with patients, care partners, caregivers, and other experts t...

At the recent International Movement Disorder and Parkinson's Disease meeting of 2021, exciting research updates were presented. The clinical trials presented included trials of disease modification, therapies for the motor symptoms, and therapies for the non-motor symptoms. Trials with negative outcomes were also presented at this meeting. Dr. Klos discusses highlights of this meeting. The Parkinson's disease Caring Podcast is produced and hosted by Dr. Kevin Klos. Please ...

In my clinical practice, I have the opportunity to discuss many caregiving related subjects with my patients and their caregivers. I hear many pervasive opinions on certain topics that many caregivers learn from misinformation on the internet, discussed in support groups, and other resources. These myths have the opportunity to sabotage the care of your loved one. On this episode, I bring to your attention some of the more common myths and misconceptions and address the science behind my reco...

This show shares my interview with Neurosurgeon, Dr. Andrew Conner, from the University of Oklahoma Neurosurgery department. Dr. Conner received his DBS training from one of the top rated DBS centers in the world, the University of California San Francisco . In the last few years, the field of Movement Disorders have witnessed numerous advances in technology for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Now there are three device companies producing innovative hardware for the market place. The su...

True happiness results when a caregiver is able to serve a loved one with their entire mind, body and spirit. As caregivers, we have an incredible opportunity to find this happiness in our journey with a loved one battling Parkinson's disease. To find this happiness, we have to put aside our own selfish thoughts and desires and give our best to our loved one. This is certainly easy to say and hard to accomplish. I interviewed a caregiver named Jack. His wife, Lois, was a patient in my ...

Perhaps you and/or your loved one with Parkinson's disease have read about protein intake and possible interactions with dopamine therapy. You may have read articles recommending a diet low in protein if you have Parkinson's disease. On this episode, I discuss the facts and science behind dietary protein intake and Parkinson's disease. I discuss proper timing of levodopa or dopamine therapy and protein intake. I present some cases from my clinic illustrating these concepts. As a...

In this episode, I interview a board certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Matt Blankenship from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Blankenship has experience treating numerous digestive system problems related to Parkinson's disease. He is also one of the most experienced interventionalists in the US regarding Duopa therapy. Dr. Blankenship discusses the different types of constipation that our loved ones commonly face throughout the illness with Parkinson's disease. He offers practice treatment advise...

In this episode, I interview a Swallow Specialist from Oklahoma, Tiffany Turner, to learn about how Parkinson's disease may impair swallowing function. Tiffany explains how dysfunction in the nervous system may lead to swallowing difficulty and what clinical signs we need to be aware of as caregivers that such a problem is developing. Tiffany explains how a swallow disorder is evaluated in the clinic and in the hospital settings. She details for us what she is looking for and how she recogniz...

One of the many challenges in caregiving for a loved one with Parkinson's disease is assuming a new role in the relationship and family. Many of us caregivers may not have been the leader of the family especially related to making decisions, handling the family finances, and even taking care of our family member. Parkinson's disease will progress to a point where an individual will have great difficulty maintaining this leadership role and will now depend upon a caregiver for everything. ...

Today's Klos clinic will discuss a rescue therapy option that very few people are ever told about in the Neurology clinic. In fact, this option will certainly be unlikely to be discussed with new rescue therapies on the market such as Inbrija and Kynmobi. Join Dr. Klos for this episode to learn more about this important option to help your loved one battle off times. If this therapy seems reasonable to consider, please discuss with your loved one and the healthcare provider to see if this opt...

Duopa therapy is an important addition to the treatment options for people with Parkinson's disease. Very few patients and caregivers learn about this therapy from their provider due to lack of experience using the product. Many are reluctant to consider the therapy due to misconceptions about the procedure and maintenance of the pump system. On this episode, I interview a patient with Parkinson's disease currently using the Duopa system in my clinical practice. He shares insight into ...