When most people think of Parkinson’s disease, the first images that come to mind are often hand tremors, muscle stiffness, and trouble walking. But what if the story starts long before those classic symptoms, sometimes decades earlier, with subtle clues like constipation, loss of smell, or unusual sleep disturbances? In this episode of “What I’d Tell My Family,” Dr. Todd Levine unveils the hidden early signs of Parkinson’s that often go unnoticed, reveals the latest research on how the disease can quietly begin in the gut or body before reaching the brain, and shares what he’d want his own loved ones to know about early risks, prevention, and the groundbreaking ways we can now detect Parkinson’s before it ever affects movement. Whether you’re concerned about a loved one, curious about cutting-edge science, or just want to demystify this complex disease, this conversation brings practical advice and hope for the future.

Timestamps:

00:00 Theories on Parkinson's disease origins

04:36 Early signs of Parkinson's disease

08:55 Constipation linked to Parkinson's research

10:18 Early diagnosis and preventative neurology

16:11 Detecting proteins linked to Parkinson's

18:10 Speeding up Parkinson's drug trials

21:54 The era of preventative neurology

24:20 Early warning signs of Parkinson's

Dr. Todd Levine on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-levinemd/

FOX10 Talks: World Alzheimer’s Day - Part 1 & Part 2

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Book - Your Brain's Second Chance by Dr. Todd Levine

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”