Wisconsin Parkinson Association (WPA) is excited to announce a new podcast series created and hosted by our own Dacy Reimer, MSN, APRN-NP, CCRC. In addition to being WPA's President & CEO, Dacy brings a wealth of knowledge from her clinical experience.
In each episode, podcast host, Dacy Reimer will interview doctors and other industry professionals for their insights and perspectives on living an empowered life with Parkinson's disease. These episodes are all produced here in Wisconsin and will feature topics of interest and relevance to the Parkinson’s community.
Publisher
Wisconsin Parkinson Association
Category
health & fitness · health & fitness · health & fitness
In this episode of Parkinson’s EmPower Talks, our guest is Erica Vitek, MOT, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPC with Aurora Health Care. Today, we’re talking about pelvic floor health in Parkinson's. This can be a very sensitive topic, but it needs to happen more often in Parkinson's care. Many individuals with Parkinson's experience bladder changes, constipation, urgency, nighttime bathroom trips, and these symptoms are rarely talked about openly. The good news is there are some therapies, exercises, and...
18 Mar 2026
When Parkinson's Changes: How Home Care Adapts Over Time
In this episode of Parkinson’s EmPower Talks, our guest is Ruth Busalacchi, Owner and President of Synergy HomeCare. “Parkinson’s doesn’t stay the same. Neither should care. Today, we’re talking about how home care adapts over time—and how families can plan proactively instead of reacting in crisis.” Ruth’s EmPowering message is, “Avoid the ‘cross your finger’ plan. Be proactive: get all the information you can—ask your friends, go online, reach out to Wisconsin Parkinson Association, and g...
15 Oct 2025
Advocacy for a Parkinson’s Registry in Wisconsin
In this episode of Parkinson's EmPower Talks, our guest is Stephanie Johnson, founder of the Rick Johnson Parkinson's Disease Registry and the Parkinson's Disease Alliance of Wisconsin. She will share what led her to become an advocate for the Parkinson’s community and the importance of a statewide Parkinson’s registry. We’re grateful to have her with us to discuss this important work. Stephanie's EmPowering message is, "Connect with your values and the values that pull you forward, that gi...
20 Aug 2025
Reclaiming Your Voice: The Power of Speech Therapy in Parkinson's
Discussion with Lisa Dickas, SLP - In this episode with Lisa, we will discuss the topic of speech therapy. Lisa's EmPowering message is, "You can still make important and meaningful gains despite the diagnosis. You can take some things back from Parkinson's; it is not a one way street. The hardest part is the start. You can start now with adding good habits and dumping the bad ones, and really trying to set your current and future self up for as many options as possible." To watch thi...
23 Jul 2025
Alternative Therapies for PD
Discussion with Christian Biegel, DPT - In this episode with Dr. Biegel, we will discuss the topic of Alternative Therapies for PD. Dr. Biegel's EmPowering message is, "if you don't use it you lose it, motion is lotion, and be an active participant in your health and wellness care." To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ka_O0okdsGU To support more programs like this: https://wiparkinson.app.neoncrm.com/forms/support-parkinson-empowertalks Wisconsin Parkinson Association ...
18 Jun 2025
Overcoming Apathy: Strategies for Increased Motivation & Engagement.
Discussion with Bryanna Bruger, PsyD - In this episode with Bryanna, we will discuss the topic of Overcoming Apathy: Strategies for Increased Motivation & Engagement. Bryanna's EmPowering message is, "To know that there is hope, and to keep putting one foot in front of the other no matter how hard it may seem, especially in the context of apathy. There are people out here willing to help and share information and get you on the right track." To watch this episode on YouTube: https://you...
16 Apr 2025
Accessing PD Support & Resources
Discussion with LeAnn Lanthrop, MSW, LCSW - In this episode with LeAnn Lanthrop, we will discuss the topic of Accessing PD Support & Resources. LeAnn's EmPowering message is, "Don't wait for a crisis to find your resources and your information...Know where to find your resources but don't wait for a crisis to happen." To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c6lsM0CNKCk To support more programs like this: https://wiparkinson.app.neoncrm.com/forms/support-parkinson-empowertalks ...
19 Mar 2025
Nutrition in Parkinson's Disease
Discussion with Kate Harrell, MS, RDN - In this episode with Kate Harrell, we will discuss the topic of Nutrition in Parkinson's Disease. Kate's EmPowering message is, "My biggest thing is staying positive and putting one step in front of the other and knowing that you are doing a good job and a good thing to take care of your body." To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sBZXzzXByoA To support more programs like this: https://wiparkinson.app.neoncrm.com/forms/support-parkinson-e...
19 Feb 2025
Memory Changes: Is it Parkinson's or Normal Aging?
Discussion with Dr. Lisa Kokontis - In this episode with Lisa Kokontis, MD, we will discuss the topic of Memory Changes. Dr. Kokontis explains the different types of memory problems, including that of normal aging. Dacy and Dr. Kokontis discuss how memory disorders are diagnosed and treated as well as what can be done to improve memory function. You will learn what to report to your doctor and ways caregivers can help their loved one who is experiencing memory changes. Dr. Kokon...
15 Jan 2025
Low Blood Pressure: The Dangerous Drop
Discussion with Dr. Katie Spangler - In this episode with Katie Spangler, MD, we will discuss the topic of Low Blood Pressure. Not everybody experiences this symptom of Parkinson’s, but for those who do it can be very dangerous and increase their fall risk. Dr. Spangler explains why low blood pressure occurs, how it is treated, and tips for managing it at home. Dacy and Dr. Spangler discuss how mobility and what we consume affects low blood pressure and share ways caregivers can help their lo...
18 Dec 2024
Freezing Gait
Discussion with Kathryn Gaines, DO - In this episode with Dr. Gaines, we will discuss the topic of Freezing Gait. Not everybody experiences this symptom of Parkinson’s, but for those who do it can be very debilitating. Dr. Gaines explains what freezing gait is, what causes it, and how it is treated. Dacy and Dr. Gaines discuss tips to overcome freezing gait and share ways caregivers can help their loved one who is experiencing it. Dr. Gaines closes with a hopeful discussion of current researc...
20 Nov 2024
Volunteering for PD Research: What To Know & Expect
Discussion with Marie Mejaki, BA, CCRC - In this podcast, with Marie, we will discuss the topic of volunteering for Parkinson's research and what to know and expect. This is a great opportunity to learn about and understand the various types of research such as clinical trials, observational and treatment studies. Dacy and Marie will talk about how new treatments are approved. If you’ve ever wondered what is involved in participating, this conversation will discuss many of those details. You'...
16 Oct 2024
Deep Brain Stimulation: What You Need to Know
Discussion with Taylor Finseth, MD - In this episode with Dr. Finseth, we will discuss Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). DBS is a surgical therapy used to treat the movement symptoms of Parkinson’s as well as certain side effects caused by medications. We will cover the entire process from patient selection, various devices, and what to expect from start to finish. According to Dr. Finseth, “we think DBS is a great technology”, “I do think education is a great way to empower yourself”. ...
18 Sept 2024
PD Variability: A Personalized Plan
Discussion with Dr. Ryan Brennan, DO - In this podcast, with Dr. Ryan Brennan, we will discuss why PD symptoms vary with each individual and therefore, why it’s important to create a unique individualized treatment plan. No two people are exactly alike, so what works for one doesn’t work for all. According to Dacy, “treatment isn’t cookie cutter”. Dr. Brennan’s EmPowering message is, “ Live your life, don’t let it (PD) totally consume you. If symptoms are bothering you, there may be opt...
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