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

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is once again joined by Kristin Flanary, AKA Lady Glaucomflecken, to continue their conversation from last week. Kristin has advanced training in both cognitive neuroscience and social psychology and now is active on social media, podcasts, and comedy shows with her husband, Dr. Glaucomflecken. Kristin shares more about the term “co-survivor” and the importance of thoughtful doctor/patient communication, based on her own lived experiences. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Jessica McFarlin, is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky Department of Neurology and Chief of the Division of Palliative Care who is trained in both neurocritical care medicine and palliative care medicine. Dr. McFarlin touches on the role of care partners and medical professionals when it comes to the Neurointensive Care Unit.

Additional Resources

Lady Glaucomflecken

What is the Difference Between Coma, Minimally Conscious State, Persistent Vegetative State, and Brain Death?

How to Keep Loved Ones Safe in the Hospital

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

What is an ICU and Neurologic Critical Care? Tips and a Guide for Everyone

Nora McInerny on Moving Forward with Grief

Advocating for a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with Comedian Kellye Howard

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: Kristin Flanary @ladyglaucomflecken; Dr. Jessica McFarlin @ukadultneuro

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

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Kristin Flanary, AKA Lady Glaucomflecken. Kristin has advanced training in both cognitive neuroscience and social psychology and now is active on social media, podcasts, and comedy shows with her husband, Dr. Glaucomflecken. Kristin shares her unique perspective on the healthcare system, having been a patient, a caregiver, and a co-survivor of her husband's medical challenges, including his two cancer occurrences and a sudden cardiac arrest that led to a stay in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Jessica McFarlin, is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky Department of Neurology and Chief of the Division of Palliative Care who is trained in both neurocritical care medicine and palliative care medicine. Dr. McFarlin explains how Neurological Intensive Care Units provide life-saving care for patients with severe neurologic injuries, such as strokes and brain trauma. Come back next week for part two to hear more about the term “co-survivor” and the importance of thoughtful doctor/patient communication.

Additional Resources

Lady Glaucomflecken

What is the Difference Between Coma, Minimally Conscious State, Persistent Vegetative State, and Brain Death?

How to Keep Loved Ones Safe in the Hospital

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

What is an ICU and Neurologic Critical Care? Tips and a Guide for Everyone

Nora McInerny on Moving Forward with Grief

Advocating for a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with Comedian Kellye Howard

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: Kristin Flanary @ladyglaucomflecken; Dr. Jessica McFarlin @ukadultneuro

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