An interview with Lisa Tataryn: Empowering Parkinson’s Patients: Neurofeedback Technology as a Tool for Change on December 12, 2024.
Biography
As a teenager, I watched my mother find relief from dystonia through biofeedback, inspiring me to pursue neuroscience and discover neurofeedback’s potential for movement disorders like Parkinson’s. After sharing neurofeedback at a support group with promising outcomes, I was invited to speak at conferences, received an award from the Parkinson’s Resources Organization, and deepened my interest in computational neuroscience. Today, I continue to present my work and mentor through the San Diego Parkinson’s Association, dedicated to improving the lives of those with Parkinson’s.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
My advocacy began with supporting my mother through her battle with dystonia, where I saw her ultimately find relief through biofeedback. This experience sparked my passion for neurofeedback and its potential to transform the lives of those with movement disorders like Parkinson’s. I now focus on empowering individuals with Parkinson’s to take control of their symptoms through tailored neurofeedback sessions and by sharing my findings with healthcare professionals and support groups. My mission is to raise awareness of neurofeedback as a powerful, non-invasive tool that enhances quality of life and gives patients a sense of agency.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I began offering neurofeedback sessions to my mother’s community and was inspired by the life-changing results, like reduced tremors and improved quality of life. Seeing the impact fueled my passion for advocating neurofeedback as a powerful option for Parkinson’s care. I aim to create a future where advanced neurotechnology and personalized care empower Parkinson’s patients and enhance their quality of life.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
Individuals with Parkinson’s often seek to improve their quality of life and regain control over their symptoms. Through neurofeedback, I help them explore non-invasive options to manage tremors, mobility, anxiety, and sleep alongside their existing care. Many also find hope and connection within the movement disorder community, fostering a renewed sense of possibility.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
My advocacy empowers individuals with Parkinson’s to regain control over their symptoms through neurofeedback, improving tremors, motor control, and mood. A culture of support has emerged as clients share their successes, helping newer participants feel hopeful and supported. This “pay it forward” approach fosters community, reduces isolation, and reinforces progress for everyone involved.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
I aim to make neurofeedback a widely recognized and accessible part of Parkinson’s care alongside conventional therapies. I aim to refine personalized neurofeedback protocols through computational neuroscience and optimize outcomes for various symptoms. Ultimately, I hope to build a supportive community where clients improve, inspire, and empower others, fostering hope and control over their lives.
What events do you participate in?
I actively engage with the Parkinson’s community through events like Parkinson’s Empowerment Day as a guest speaker, a volunteer mentor for Pwp, and a speaker at local support groups. I also present at neurofeedback and Parkinson’s conferences. As a 20-year member of the Movement Disorders Society, I stay current on research and participate in specialized training programs to enhance multidisciplinary care. These activities keep me deeply connected to the community and committed to advancing therapies that improve outcomes for Parkinson’s patients.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
I provide tools like neurofeedback and stress management techniques to support both individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Caregivers often feel overwhelmed, so I make myself available to answer questions and even attend medical appointments to improve communication with healthcare providers.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
You can easily book a free initial call through my website, www.smartpdprogram.com, to learn how biofeedback can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms and improve well-being. I also mentor through the San Diego Parkinson’s Association, connecting individuals to valuable community resources. This mentorship provides guidance and support to help people navigate their Parkinson’s journey more confidently.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Advocating for Neurofeedback for Parkinson’s starts with sharing your voice—joining support groups, participating in events like Empowerment Days, or offering your experiences to inspire others. Reaching out to healthcare providers or hosting informational sessions about neurofeedback can also help raise awareness and make a positive impact. Advocacy is about contributing in any way, whether by educating, supporting, or helping others improve their quality of life.
What is the most significant barrier for people trying neurofeedback, and how do we overcome it?
The biggest barrier to neurofeedback is a lack of understanding or familiarity with the technology, leading to skepticism among patients and healthcare providers. To address this, I focus on education—sharing client testimonials, presenting research, and offering free consultations to demonstrate its benefits. Creating supportive, accessible opportunities for people to learn about neurofeedback helps reduce hesitation and opens the door to exploring this innovative approach.
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Effective advocacy combines empathy with evidence-based action. Listening to people’s stories and valuing their experiences builds trust, while research and proven results provide compelling solutions. This combination inspires change, empowers individuals to take control of their health, and fosters a supportive community.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
With rising Parkinson’s diagnoses, including young-onset cases, we must reframe it as a condition that can affect anyone—not just the elderly. Highlighting environmental factors and sharing personal stories makes the cause relatable, fostering broader support for research and fundraising. Collaborating with environmental organizations and hosting inclusive, engaging events like Parkinson’s Empowerment Day can further raise awareness and drive fundraising efforts.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
As a functional medicine health coach, I embrace a holistic approach to health, incorporating low-impact exercise, balanced nutrition, proper hydration, and mindfulness into my daily routine. I also use HRV biofeedback to manage stress and maintain resilience, which I encourage my clients, especially those with Parkinson’s, to explore. Neurofeedback works best as part of this broader lifestyle approach, addressing the whole person for lasting wellness.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Parkinson’s affects us all as environmental contributors like toxins (now glyphosate!) and pollution increases the risk for neurodegenerative conditions. By understanding and addressing these factors—through lifestyle changes and advocating for cleaner environments—we can protect brain health and prevent future cases. Caring about Parkinson’s is about safeguarding our shared future and the next generation’s health.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
Yes, Parkinson’s has personally impacted my family—my uncle was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and my mother had dystonia, a related movement disorder. Watching my mother navigate dystonia and later seeing the effects of Parkinson’s gave me a unique perspective on these challenges. I understand firsthand how movement disorders affect not only the individual but also their entire family.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
The song that best represents me is “Higher Power (Remix)” by Coldplay and Tiesto. It is an uplifting track that motivates me, keeps me focused, and reminds me of our inner strength to overcome challenges, especially in my work with Parkinson’s and neurofeedback.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
You deserve to know your options beyond medications and procedures. There are tools—like neurofeedback and lifestyle changes—that can help you regain control and improve your quality of life. Stay curious, and remember you have more power than you realize.