In this episode of Talking Dementia, Dr. Emily Silverman speaks with Dr. Jennifer Corcoran, a neurologist specializing in movement disorders and neuropalliative care at the University of Rochester Medical Center. With a focus on Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Corcoran brings deep expertise in prognostication, symptom management, and supporting patients and families throughout the course of neurodegenerative illness.

Dr. Corcoran shares her path into neurology and palliative care, and why Parkinson’s is often misunderstood as purely a movement disorder. They explore how the disease progresses, differences between Parkinson’s disease and other forms of Parkinsonism, and the evolving role of treatments like carbidopa/levodopa. The conversation also highlights the emotional and cognitive dimensions of the disease, the importance of exercise and community, and how care needs shift over time.

A central focus of the episode is how palliative care can support people living with Parkinson’s from diagnosis through end of life. Dr. Corcoran discusses navigating uncertainty, planning for the future, and aligning care with patient values. She offers a candid perspective on prognosis, late-stage challenges, and why earlier, more open conversations about goals of care can lead to better outcomes for both patients and caregivers.

About this episode’s featured guest

Jennifer Corcoran is a neurologist, movement disorder specialist, and researcher at the University of Rochester Medical Center, with additional expertise in neuropalliative care. She completed her medical training and neurology residency at the University of Rochester, where she developed a focus on caring for patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Her work centers on improving prognostication and anticipatory guidance in Parkinson’s disease, with the goal of helping patients and families make informed, goal-concordant decisions throughout the course of illness.

About Remo’s host Dr. Emily Silverman

Dr. Emily Silverman is an internal-medicine physician, Assistant Volunteer Professor of Medicine at UCSF. She is the creator and host of The Nocturnists, an award-winning medical storytelling program that has uplifted the voices of more than 450 clinicians since 2016 through its podcast and live performances. Her work has been supported by a MacDowell fellowship and widely published in numerous publications including JAMA, The New York Times, and NPR. Learn more about Emily by visiting her website.

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The information in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not the practice of medicine or any profession. It is not intended to be medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Parkinson’s Disease, Prognosis & Palliative Care: What Patients and Families Should Know