[Podcast] YOPD Council Series: Death, Dying, and Parkinson’s

therapist holding hands with patient

Death is a universal part of life. But when faced with a Parkinson's diagnosis, this topic may have an entirely new meaning.

In this episode

Our YOPD Council leaders discussed:

  • Parkinson's and its effect on their perspectives of death
  • Strategies for managing feelings of loss
  • How to effectively prepare for end-of-life and live well in the moment NOW
  • How to have conversations with your loved ones about death
  • How to re-channel your energies on things that bring you hope

To download the transcript, click here.
Note: This isn't a perfect transcript, but it's close.

Show Notes

  • It is important to talk to your loved ones about your end-of-life wishes early. By having this conversation, you are not “giving up” but rather, preparing early so that you can live life to its fullest.
  • End-of-life planning includes completing an advanced directive (a legal document that allows you to make your end-of-life wishes known in the event that you are unable to communicate)
  • Our panelists agree that even though their Parkinson’s diagnosis brought its own grief regarding their end-of-life, it also “lifted the veil” and allowed them to accept the future while living fully in the present
  • Palliative care focuses on how to help you live well with your diagnosis. A palliative care physician may ask you about your values, ethics, and what’s important to you in order to live well throughout the progression of your diagnosis
  • Death is an inevitable part of life that everyone will experience. Events such as “death cafes” seek to increase the awareness of death to help people make the most of their finite lives

resources and topics discussed 

Care Planning For A Parent Living With Parkinson’s

“Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande

[Webinar Recording] Holistic And Supportive Care For People Living With Parkinson’s

The Conversation Project: (a resource to help start the conversation about end-of-life planning)

Donating Your Brain To Science

WANT more advice from our yopd council?

You can register for the entire YOPD Council series here, as well as catch up on recent conversations. We meet on the third Thursday of every month to discuss the unique challenges of living with YOPD.

Join us for our new YOPD Women Series

During our monthly YOPD Women sessions, we’ll address the many issues unique women living with YOPD with the help of doctors, specialists, and our YOPD Women Council leaders. Register today and join us for these lively, interactive, and truth-telling monthly sessions.

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*The Second Season of the Parkinson’s Podcast is made possible through generous support in honor of Dr. Margaret Hilgartner.

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