Through this podcast, Dr. Almad brings a holistic perspective on neurological diseases—drawing from clinical trials, academic research, drug development, and patient advocacy viewpoints. The goal is to bridge the gap between scientific research and public awareness, bringing a deeper understanding of neurological diseases and helping families and communities gain deeper insights into these conditions.
The Research Behind Hope: Decoding Parkinson’s with Nikhil Panicker
In this episode, we explore what really happens to our brains when Parkinson's takes hold. We go deep into the brain, inside these cells, at a microscopic level, and try to understand this. We explore the tools and the techniques that scientists use to study this disease, and how are new treatments designed? I'm joined here by my friend and colleague, Dr. Nikhil Panicker, a neuroscientist and an assistant professor at the Cleveland Clinic. His lab is dedicated to understanding Parkinson's dis...
1 Jan 2026
How MJFF Accelerates Breakthroughs in Parkinson’s Research: A Conversation with Dr. Shalini Padmanabhan
In this episode, I discussed with Dr. Shalini Padmanabhan, Senior VP of Research from Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), the work conducted by the foundation. She highlighted MJFF's strategic approach to funding across the entire research spectrum, from basic biology to clinical trials, and emphasized our focus on breaking down silos between academia, industry, and patients to accelerate progress. We also discussed current challenges in Parkinson's research, including the complexity of t...
26 Oct 2025
The Parkinson’s Plan: How to Stop the World’s Fastest-Growing Brain Disease
I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Ray Dorsey, neurologist and co-author of The Parkinson’s Plan with Dr. Michael Okun. In our conversation, we dive into why Parkinson’s disease has become the world’s fastest-growing brain disorder — and, more importantly, how much of it can actually be prevented. Dr. Dorsey shares eye-opening insights on how environmental toxins — from pesticides and dry-cleaning chemicals to air pollution — play a bigger role in Parkinson’s than most people realize. He...
6 Oct 2025
Parkinson’s and Caregiving: Larry & Rebecca Gifford’s Heartfelt Story of Resilience and Connection
A Parkinson’s diagnosis doesn’t arrive with a manual—it arrives with questions, invisible symptoms, and a new reality that families have to learn as they go. We sit down with Larry and Rebecca Gifford for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about young-onset Parkinson’s, the hidden weight of non-motor symptoms, and the practical tools to deal with it. We also learn about care partner and care giver perspective and building a community to find hope and support. Whether you’re living with...
23 Sept 2025
Welcome to 'Journey of A Withering Brain!'
Hi! I am Dr. Akshata Almad, a neuroscientist with over 15 years of experience in understanding neurological diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinsons disease. I received my PhD in neuroscience from the Ohio State University and have completed her post-doctoral training at Johns Hopkins University. I am currently dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics in drug discovery. In this episode, I share the personal story of my father, who is diagnosed...
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