In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Annmarie O’Connor, a Parkinson's disease advocate, bestselling author, and fashion editor. Annmarie shares her personal journey with early-onset Parkinson's, discussing the challenges and insights she has gained since her diagnosis. She highlights the importance of self-advocacy, the role of family support, and her efforts to raise awareness through her memoir 'Twitch' and her advocacy work on TikTok. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Raja Mehanna, an associate professor at the McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Health. Dr. Mehanna is a fellowship-trained, movement disorders neurologist with a special interest in early-onset Parkinson’s disease. He discusses early onset Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and tailored treatments and shares ongoing research in the field.

Additional Resources

About Annmarie O’Connor

Factors That May Increase the Risk of Parkinson's Disease

Exercise Helps This Coach Deal with Parkinson’s Disease

Living with Parkinson's During a Pandemic

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson’s Disease

How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson’s

NBA Star Brian Grant Living On Time with Parkinson’s

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

· Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

· Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

Social Media:

Guests: Annmarie O’Connor @aocdotme; Dr. Raja Mehanna @mcgovernmed

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD