Join us for a compelling conversation with Gary Boyle, who lives with young-onset Parkinson's, and his wife, Joan Duffy, a speech-language therapist and LSVT LOUD clinician.

This episode delves into their unique journey, from Gary's diagnosis and his proactive approach to living well with Parkinson's, to Joan's dual role as a care partner and professional expert.

They share candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating Parkinson's, offering a powerful testament to resilience and the impact of communication.

Discover their personal experience with LSVT LOUD therapy, as Gary recounts his voice and speech changes and breakthrough moments, while Joan highlights improvements in confidence and participation she observed.

The discussion also explores their advocacy efforts for Parkinson's care in Ireland and Europe. Gary and Joan provide invaluable advice for those newly diagnosed and for care partners, sharing what inspires hope in their ongoing journey.

Show Notes:

Special Guests: Gary Boyle and Joan DuffyHost: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Organizations Close to Gary and Joan:

Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease Ireland: ⁠https://eopd.ie/⁠Parkinsons’ Europe: ⁠https://parkinsonseurope.org/⁠Parkinson’s Ireland: ⁠https://www.parkinsons.ie/⁠The Irish Association of Speech + Language Therapists: ⁠https://www.iaslt.ie/⁠

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc⁠

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios ⁠https://www.csdesignstudios.com/⁠

Get Certified: ⁠⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠⁠LSVT Global Website: ⁠⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠⁠Find LSVT Clinicians: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

Join occupational therapist (OT) Erica Vitek as she shares her journey at the intersection of Parkinson’s (PD) rehabilitation and pelvic floor therapy. Erica recounts her path from general OT practice to specializing in PD and pelvic health, shaped by her roles at LSVT Global and the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, and discusses powerful patient stories where addressing bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction restored dignity and independence.

Listeners will explore how PD disrupts pelvic function, top myths related to receiving healthcare for pelvic function, communication tools for sensitive topics, collaboration strategies with specialists, and actionable self-management tips.

She also introduces her new self-paced course, Foundations of Pelvic Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease, as a resource touching on PD neuroanatomy, pelvic floor function, evidence-based strategies, and self-management for therapy professionals and PD families. Perfect for OTs, PTs, neuro rehab clinicians, patients with PD, and caregivers seeking practical hope and awareness.

SHOW NOTES:

Special Guest: Erica Vitek, MOT, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPCHost: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

RESOURCES:

Erica’s New Online Course (Open to everyone): Foundations of Pelvic Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/foundations-of-pelvic-rehabilitation-for-parkinson-s-disease-a-guide-for-therapy-professionals/

Advanced Course for Rehab Professionals: Parkinson Disease and Pelvic Rehabilitation: https://hermanwallace.com/continuing-education-courses/parkinson-disease-and-pelvic-rehabilitation

Directory of APTA Women’s Pelvic Health Specialists: https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/wcs-directory

Directory of Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioners (PRPC): https://pelvicrehab.com/?utm_source=hermanwallace.com&utm_medium=referrral&utm_content=findapractitioner

THEME SONG:

"Think LOUD for Parkinson’s" by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer. A song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment, developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide. Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s.

Watch the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

CONNECT WITH US:

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/

LSVT Global Website: https://www.lsvtglobal.com

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians