One Year After My Parkinson’s Diagnosis: What Changed? | Dean Dahl

Please take our membership survey https://bit.ly/4jyxkOa Nearly a year after his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Dean Dahl reflects on moving through the initial shock, learning to focus on the present, and finding connection through a Parkinson’s buddy and exercise. He joined us in Ohio to discuss Rock Steady Boxing, medication conversations, family life, and the work of the Changing Parkinson’s community. Chapters 00:00 Hosts preview a possible viewer membership 02:46 Dean Dahl returns nearly a year after diagnosis 04:42 Learning to cherish today instead of worrying about tomorrow 08:03 The World Parkinson Congress becomes a turning point 10:29 A Parkinson’s buddy offers support in a shared language 13:14 How Rock Steady Boxing helped Dean get moving 15:10 Building an exercise routine that travels with him 17:09 Grandfatherhood, tremors, and what family sees 18:36 Medication, ropinirole, and impulse-control concerns 23:01 Balancing symptoms and medication decisions 24:19 Choosing humor, activity, and the present 26:13 The 5K for JK and Changing Parkinson’s mission 33:18 Dean’s message: find community and keep exercising This episode of The Secret Life of Parkinson's was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. Visit www.changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving with PDNextSteps home workouts, or join our newsletter.