Parkinson's: An Unwanted Bitter Pill

About this episode

The episode discusses frustrations with the healthcare system regarding Parkinson's disease and the slow progress in finding a cure.

Are you sick and tired (literally) of waiting for a cure for Parkinson's? We are too. We're also frustrated at the New Zealand health system's inability to comprehend our situation of living with a incurable neuro-degenerative illness, for which we will be on the same pills for life. There is an explosion of new weight loss drugs, and some areas of medicine seem to move very fast — while Parkinson’s still feels stuck in a cycle of symptom management, “maybe in ten years,” and waiting. We try to appreciate scientific progress, but can't pretend it’s enough. Keep up with us via the links below : Instagram / Facebook / Website This episode was first broadcast on 2/6/2026 at pm by Coast Access Radio 104.7 FM, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air.

People in this episode

Hosts: Kitty Doyle, Emma Kyriacou

Topics covered

• Parkinson's disease
• healthcare system
• neuro-degenerative illness
• medication
• scientific progress
• weight loss drugs

Keywords

• Parkinson's
• health system
• neuro-degenerative
• medication
• scientific progress
• weight loss drugs

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Coast Access Radio 104.7 FM, NZ On Air

Places: New Zealand

More episodes of Ordinary Life, A Podcast About Parkinson's.

• DBS Dread · June 9, 2026 · 15 min
• Parkinson's Progression: How Our Lives Have Changed · May 26, 2026 · 16 min
• Slow Going : Dealing with Bradykinesia and Parkinson's · May 19, 2026 · 18 min
• Still - Michael J Fox's Film about Parkinson’s · May 17, 2026 · 26 min
• Who Cares? Are Carers of People With Parkinson's Undervalued? · May 11, 2026 · 18 min
• Move It! Keeping Active With Parkinson's Mobility Aids · May 5, 2026 · 18 min