All Episodes

January 30, 2023 21 mins

Senior Soup Podcast hosts Raquel Micit and Ryan Miner welcome Dawn Lewis, the development manager in the Mid-Atlantic for the Parkinson's Foundation, as their special guest. 

This is Episode 12 of The Senior Soup Podcast

Dawn has been with the Parkinson's Foundation for three and a half years, transitioning from working with the Alzheimer's Association. 

This podcast explores the causes and early signs of Parkinson's Disease and how to raise awareness about the disease. 

Some research suggests that exposure to pesticides could cause the disease, and 15% of people may have a genetic marker linked to it. 

A national study called the PD GENEration was launched to study the disease further. Participants can learn more about Parkinson's and potentially identify a genetic marker. Those interested in participating can contact Dawn Lewis for more information.

The Parkinson's Foundation is hosting its annual Moving Day event on Saturday, May 6th, 2023, on the National Mall to celebrate movement, fundraise, and connect those with Parkinson's - and their families - with pharmaceutical companies and additional resources that can provide treatments. 

Moving Day attendees will participate in Rock Steady Boxing, a popular form of exercise, and a mini-workout.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear real stories and experiences from people living with Parkinson's and family members with loved ones lost to Parkinson’s. A DJ will provide music, and people can bring their whole family and pets. The event is a great way to raise research funds and awareness about Parkinson's and its effects.

Throughout Raquel and Ryan’s interview with Dawn, they discussed the symptoms and early detection of Parkinson's disease. 

Dawn explained that tremors are the most common symptom, but other signs include low voice, small handwriting, and shuffling. She encouraged people to reach out to a doctor if they notice any of these symptoms, as Parkinson's can be difficult to diagnose. 

A doctor, Dawn says, will conduct a physical exam and ask patients to complete specific movements to establish a baseline. 

Levodopa is a common medication prescribed to Parkinson’s patients if the doctor feels the need to correct some symptoms. Dawn said there is no average age for someone diagnosed with Parkinson's.

The Parkinson’s Foundation website offers helpful resources for those with Parkinson’s, including a Parkinson’s Hospital Care Kit

ABOUT THE SENIOR SOUP PODCAST

Visit The Senior Soup's website to learn more about The Senior Soup Podcast and its resources for seniors in the DMV area. 

https://theseniorsoup.com/episodes/

The Senior Soup Podcast
Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.