Podcasts

Episode 176: Allied Health Spotlight: The Challenges of Speech and Swallowing Issues

Allied health professionals are a group of healthcare providers whose role and expertise complement the work of physicians. These include specialists such as physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists, and many more. They are just as important as your Movement Disorders Specialists and Neurologists, and play a vital role in creating a comprehensive, well-rounded Parkinson’s care team that caters to your individual needs and addresses your overall well-being.

In this second episode of our Allied Health Spotlight series, we highlight the benefits of working with a speech-language pathologist early on in your Parkinson’s journey. Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects movement throughout the body, including the face, mouth, throat, and breathing muscles. As the disease progresses, people with PD may develop problems with speaking and swallowing. This can not only impact eating habits, but can also lead to soft voice and drooling, making conversations during social gatherings uncomfortable. 

In this episode, Melissa Grassia Chisholm, MS, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech pathologist and a voice-swallow airway expert, explains how speech and swallowing problems can develop in people with PD.  She also discusses different diagnostic procedures, therapies, and programs that can help improve speech and swallowing.

Released: February 11, 2025

We want to thank this episode's podcast sponsors, UCB and Novartis, for supporting our mission. 

UCB and Novartis logos
Fundraising Events

2025 BMW Berlin Marathon

6:00 am to 6:00 pm CEST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2025 Berlin Marathon. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program at Run4PD.org

Athletes interested in running in this particular event should email Run4PD@Parkinson.org for more information. 

More world records have been broken on Berlin's fast pavement than at any other marathon race in the world. 13 so far. More could follow. But that is not the only reason that makes the season highlight in the German capital one of the most popular running spectacles of the year. Over 50,000 finishers experience their very special moment when crossing the Brandenburg Gate just before the finish line, millions of spectators and 80 live bands celebrate the sport along the course. The international running community is a guest in the German capital at this special highlight.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Berlin Marathon Homepage.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 TCS Sydney Marathon

6:00 am to 6:00 pm AEST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2025 Sydney Marathon. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program at Run4PD.org

Athletes interested in running in this particular event should email Run4PD@Parkinson.org for more information. 

The 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS is the newest member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors! With an expected 35,000 runners to take on the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, we are thrilled to be welcoming runners from around the globe to Sydney. The marathon will not only be the largest ever held in Australia, but also the centerpiece of an entire running festival. This festival will feature over 40,000 participants from more than 100 countries, making it the largest event of its kind in Australia. 

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Sydney Marathon Homepage.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Tokyo Marathon

6:00 am to 6:00 pm JST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Tokyo Marathon. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program at Run4PD.org

Athletes interested in running in this particular event should email Run4PD@Parkinson.org for more information. We anticipate the event will occur on March 1, 2026, however the date has not yet been officially announced.

As one of the Abbott World Majors, the Tokyo Marathon is one of the most popular races in the world. The course is known to be a flat, fast, and scenic route that starts in Shinjuku and ends at Tokyo Station. Right from the start you are running downhill, so this is a perfect race to achieve your personal best time!

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Tokyo Marathon Homepage.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

5:00 am to 8:00 pm EST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2025 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program and join our interest list at Run4PD.org

Fundraising Commitments:

  • VIP - $5,000
  • Challenge (Half & 10k) - $1,500
  • Half Marathon - $1,000
  • 5k/10k - $750
  • Honorary Champion - $500

Celebrate Disney Magical Mealtimes during the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World® Resort. Themed to different eats of the day, you can enjoy miles of mouthwatering merriment during a 5K, 10K or half marathon, earning a one-of-a-kind medal for each race you finish. You can even register for a challenge that combines the 10K and half marathon and nets you a bonus medal as well! It’s delectable runDisney® fun for everyone.

Looking for travel support? Sign up for a free consultation with our wonderful friends at Magical Park Vacations at THIS LINK (whether you end up running with us or not). They have deep knowledge of the parks and traveling with a family member who has Parkinson’s disease.

NOTE: Registration for this race includes access to the Walt Disney World Resort® amusement parks for the race event only. To “ride-the-rides” you would need to purchase a separate ticket to the parks. There may be the opportunity for friends and family to come cheer you on without needing to purchase entry to the park, but this will be announced later by the runDisney organization at their discretion.

Are you looking for a fun way to volunteer for the Parkinson's Foundation & raise your voice while raising awareness? Come out and cheer on our incredible athletes! Learn more and apply at Parkinson.org/ChampionsCheer.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the runDisney Homepage.

 

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

6:00 am to 8:00 pm EST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program and join our interest list at Run4PD.org

Fundraising Commitments:

  • VIP - $5,000
  • Fairytale Challenge (Half & 10k) - $1,500
  • Half - $1,000
  • 5k/10k - $750
  • Honorary Champion - $500

Join us for this fairy-tale weekend at Walt Disney World® Resort where you can rise up during the Disney Princess 5K. Fly high at the Disney Princess 10K. Slay the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Or run the fairest of them all by taking on the Disney Fairytale Challenge. Adding even more enchantment are the treasured finisher’s medals you’ll earn for each race—you can even earn three if you complete the challenge (comprised of the 10K and Half Marathon)! 

Looking for travel support? Sign up for a free consultation with our wonderful friends at Magical Park Vacations at THIS LINK (whether you end up running with us or not). They have deep knowledge of the parks and traveling with a family member who has Parkinson’s disease.

NOTE: Registration for this race includes access to the Walt Disney World® Resort amusement parks for the race event only. To “ride-the-rides” you would need to purchase a separate ticket to the parks. There may be the opportunity for friends and family to come cheer you on without needing to purchase entry to the park, but this will be announced later by the runDisney organization at their discretion.

Are you looking for a fun way to volunteer for the Parkinson's Foundation & raise your voice while raising awareness? Come out and cheer on our incredible athletes! Learn more and apply at Parkinson.org/ChampionsCheer.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the runDisney Homepage.

 

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Disney World Marathon Weekend

6:00 am to 8:00 pm EST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2026 Disney World Marathon Weekend. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program and join our interest list at Run4PD.org

Fundraising Commitments:

  • VIP - $5,000
  • Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, Half, & Marathon) - $3,000
  • Goofy's Race and a Half (Half & Marathon) - $2,250
  • Marathon - $1,500
  • Half - $1,000
  • 5k/10 - $750
  • Honorary Champion - $500

Close your eyes and dream it – then make those dreams come true with runDisney and the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend. Join Mickey Mouse and friends as you go the distance on your journey across every magical mile. Every course is full of “character” and encouragement as you earn every mile in a weekend filled with four different races, two challenges, and inspiration at every turn (of the course, that is). Dreams do come true with runDisney.

Looking for travel support? Sign up for a free consultation with our wonderful friends at Magical Park Vacations at THIS LINK (whether you end up running with us or not). They have deep knowledge of the parks and traveling with a family member who has Parkinson’s disease.

NOTE: Registration for this race includes access to the Walt Disney World Resort® amusement parks for the race event only. To “ride-the-rides” you would need to purchase a separate ticket to the parks. There may be the opportunity for friends and family to come cheer you on without needing to purchase entry to the park, but this will be announced later by the runDisney organization at their discretion.

Are you looking for a fun way to volunteer for the Parkinson's Foundation & raise your voice while raising awareness? Come out and cheer on our incredible athletes! Learn more and apply at Parkinson.org/ChampionsCheer.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the runDisney Homepage.

 

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend

6:00 am to 6:00 pm EST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program and join our interest list at Run4PD.org

Fundraising Commitments:
•    5k or 15k - $1,000
•    Honorary Champion - $500

This world-renowned race is often referred to as the country’s best 15K. The Boilermaker 15K is recognized for its entertaining yet challenging course and racing’s best post-race party, hosted by the F.X. Matt Brewing Company, featuring Saranac beer and a live concert! With plenty of water support, strong attention to medical detail, and crowd support like no other race, the Boilermaker 15K is an event worth training and traveling for and should be on every runner’s “must-do” list. If you would like to experience a Boilermaker race without committing to a 15K, the 5K presented by Utica National is for you. Runners in the 5K event get to run the last 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of the Boilermaker course and finish at the F.X. Matt Brewing Company where the Post-Race Party begins!

Are you looking for a fun way to volunteer for the Parkinson's Foundation & raise your voice while raising awareness? Come out and cheer on our incredible athletes! Learn more and apply at Parkinson.org/ChampionsCheer.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Boilermaker Homepage.
 

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2025 Peachtree Road Race

6:00 am to 6:00 pm EST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation is an official charity partner for the 2025 AJC Peachtree Road Race. By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program and join our interest list at Run4PD.org

Fundraising Commitments:
•    10k - $500
•    Honorary Champion - $500

The AJC Peachtree Road Race isn't just a race; it's a celebration of community, determination and the unyielding spirit of Atlanta. For more than half a century, this race has brought together individuals from all walks of life, united by their interest in spending Independence Day together in a one-of-a-kind running and walking community celebration. The 6.2 miles of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race takes participants from the streets of Buckhead to the corners of Midtown, finishing in Atlanta's Piedmont Park.

NOTE: Please be aware that race weekend can have very high temperatures. Please consult with your doctor to ensure you have a plan to stay safe while exercising in the heat.

Are you looking for a fun way to volunteer for the Parkinson's Foundation & raise your voice while raising awareness? Come out and cheer on our incredible athletes! Learn more and apply at Parkinson.org/ChampionsCheer.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Peachtree Road Race Homepage.

Upcoming Events

Fundraising Events

2026 Boston Marathon

8:00 am to 8:00 pm EST
Parkinson's Champions runners

The Parkinson's Foundation has entries to 2025 Boston Marathon generously provided through our partnership with Team Abbott. We are so grateful for their support. Check out the details from them below to learn more about their DBS Patient Ambassador Program:

 

Abbott logo

Introducing the DBS Ambassador Program

We understand it can feel overwhelming to research and evaluate all the treatment options available today, and talking to someone who knows how you feel can be reassuring. The DBS Ambassador Program connects you with people who have had similar experiences to yours, and have been able to successfully manage their movement disorder symptoms with DBS.

Connect with someone who has DBS Therapy

Our Ambassadors are volunteers who are ready to share their experiences with you and answer your questions about DBS. Feel empowered to speak with an Ambassador by filling out the request form. CLICK TO REQUEST CONTACT


 

By signing up to run as a Parkinson's Champion you commit to raising funds and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation, and in return you get access to a free entry (bib) to the race in addition to tons of other fun benefits and perks. You can learn more about our program at Run4PD.orgAthletes interested in running in this particular event should email Run4PD@Parkinson.org for more information.

The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world's most prestigious road racing events. The Boston Marathon has distinguished itself as a pinnacle event within the sport of road racing by virtue of its traditions, longevity, and method of gaining entry into the race via qualification.

Are you looking for a fun way to volunteer for the Parkinson's Foundation & raise your voice while raising awareness? Come out and cheer on our incredible athletes! Learn more and apply at Parkinson.org/ChampionsCheer.

If you have questions, send us an email at Run4PD@Parkinson.org. For more information about the race itself, visit the Boston Marathon Homepage.
 

Upcoming Events

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