Amplifying the Patient Journey

In this episode, Bill Nye—science communicator, television presenter, and ataxia advocate—shares his experience growing up in a family affected by ataxia, discusses the challenges of individuals living with rare neurologic diseases, and reflects on how he has been impacted by the knowledge of his own risk. He is joined by Lauren Moore, PhD, Vice President of Research and Chief Scientific Officer of the National Ataxia Foundation, Golden Valley, MN, who discusses common barriers to diagnosis, clinical management strategies, educational resources for neurologists, and the evolving ataxia treatment landscape.

Dr. Nina Mosier, MD, an Internal Medicine physician specializing in Geriatric Medicine, shares the journey of her father after his diagnosis with Parkinson Disease. She also discusses the importance of movement in these patients and describes Power for Parkinson's, the movement organization for she co-founded and serves as executive director.Resources: https://www.powerforparkinsons.org/https://www.youtube.com/@PowerforParkinsons

Andrew Cherico, a student at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, discusses his experience living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the impacts of available treatments, and how the condition intersects with his passion for sports journalism. He is joined by John W. Day, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, Director, Division of Neuromuscular Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, and Co-Director of Stanford’s Neuro IGNITE Center, Stanford, CA, who describes the importance of genetic testing, the landscape of available SMA treatments, and the significance of the newly approved one-time gene therapy Itvisma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-brve; Novartis, East Hanover, NJ).

In this episode, Nicole Watson shares her daughter Emma’s powerful journey living with Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. From the early days of uncertainty and searching for answers to finding the right care and treatment, Nicole opens up about resilience, hope, and the lessons learned along the way. Her story offers heartfelt insight for families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike.

Ardra Shephard, a musician, author, fashion-show TV host, podcaster, and MS advocate, discusses her experiences living with MS, including how she uses her story to educate and encourage others living with MS. She is joined by Jiwon Oh, MD, Medical Director of the Barlo Multiple Sclerosis Program at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, who describes how advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of MS have improved outcomes for individuals living with this condition.

Lisa Volenec, a patient advocate and General Manager of KMTV, Omaha, NE, shares how incorporating lifestyle modifications—such as diet, exercise, and community engagement—has enhanced her Parkinson disease treatment. She is joined by double-board-certified neurology and lifestyle medicine physician and fellowship-trained movement disorder specialist Rachel Dolhun, MD, DipABLM, principal medical advisor at The Michael J. Fox Foundation, who offers expert insights on integrating these strategies into comprehensive care for patients with movement disorders.

How can neurologists partner with their patients living with Parkinson disease? Kathleen Blake, MD, MPH, Santa Fe, NM, Vice Chair of the Parkinson's Foundation People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council, discusses Parkinson disease care from her unique perspective as both a patient and former physician.

Melody Barthelemy, a human resources specialist, details her experiences living with migraine, including strategies for tracking episodes and thriving with a busy career. She is joined by Dawn C. Buse, PhD, Clinical Professor, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, who discusses recent research in the field.

Linda Shows, a semi-retired nurse who lives with mild cognitive impairment, and her physician, Wendell Helveston, MD, Hattiesburg Clinic, Hattiesburg, MS, discuss the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in Alzheimer disease, including other factors that can help patients thrive when living with this condition.

After an attack leading to multiple surgeries and a traumatic brain injury, survivor Kel Mabatah developed a rehabilitation scholarship that enables TBI patients to continue therapy after insurance runs out. Kel is joined by Alfreida Melvin, mother of Dontel, who is a recipient of the scholarship from the “Kel Strong” Mabatah Foundation. https://www.kelstrongfoundation.com/