Christian Hageseth is a 77-year-old man with Parkinson's disease that he takes no medication for and sweats out through yoga and intense exercise, proving Parkinson's disease doesn't have to be degenerative: http://www.ihadadreamproject.com/feature-stories?load/blog_detail/page/3...
1
I have extensive armature and professional boxing experience. I began volunteering in a Rock Steady Boxing Program through the Chattanooga YMCA. I have been a volunteer Cornerman for about 6 months. I have seen clients go from not being able to roll over one time on a mat to mastering the speed bag and jumping rope successfully. Motor skill improvement has been unbelievable. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to gain confidence in one's ability to battle Parkinson's.
1
Another good option especially for people in the Colorado front range area would be GZ Sobol Parkinson’s Network http://www.parkinsonsnetwork.org/
I have a friend with Parkinson's who bowls with a group from my neighborhood. He does not have a high average but he keeps the ball on the alley and enjoys the company of his friends. He also drives and is socially active.
My beloved husband has PD, having been diagnosed in 2007. Overall, he's doing well but the PT we have said, already he's used up almost half of his Medicare allotment for PT and we're just into February. We were going twice a week and we'll drop back to once a week. But that will only take us to June.
He works so hard and we do this as a team. I lead two PD support groups which are invaluable. This is our life now. We are grateful for what we have, our team of caregivers, others with PD, the ability to keep our home and live simply but well. A man on the APDA-RI site on FB reports that he's not taking any medications now that he's biking long distances every day. Motivation, positive support, encouragement can all make a huge difference, esp. in the face of fatigue, discouragement, inertia, symptom exacerbation. I tell people in the group to get on a plateau and try to stay there.
He works so hard and we do this as a team. I lead two PD support groups which are invaluable. This is our life now. We are grateful for what we have, our team of caregivers, others with PD, the ability to keep our home and live simply but well. A man on the APDA-RI site on FB reports that he's not taking any medications now that he's biking long distances every day. Motivation, positive support, encouragement can all make a huge difference, esp. in the face of fatigue, discouragement, inertia, symptom exacerbation. I tell people in the group to get on a plateau and try to stay there.
1
I just want to thank everyone for these comments and links. As a 55 year old who was just diagnosed a few months ago, I am still doing lots of research, and you have all helped tremendously.
1
My mom read this article and agrees. She was diagnosed over 10 years ago and is going to be 86 and dealing with overpowering fatigue and falls. She has 8 hours of help each day to mainly focus on exercise and safety. She wishes that the her initial physician had not focussed so much on mediation and much more on exercise.
Her bast choice for exercise is walking and she uses a rollator (walker with 4 wheels). It is not the safest arrangement but allows a moderate amount of exercise. The biggest challenge is injuries which thwarts the exercise in a vicious cycle. But with daily help she has improved considerably in the last few months.
Her bast choice for exercise is walking and she uses a rollator (walker with 4 wheels). It is not the safest arrangement but allows a moderate amount of exercise. The biggest challenge is injuries which thwarts the exercise in a vicious cycle. But with daily help she has improved considerably in the last few months.
3
Please see Chapter 2 of Dr. Norman Doidge's "The Brain's Way of Healing." The chapter is about John Pepper, a 70 year old Australian who kept his Parkinson's symptoms at bay through long distance running. Also please note that he did not heal the disease, only kept the symptoms from progressing.
2
I was diagnosed in my early forties. Exercise that has been particularly helpful to me for the past decade includes cycling, walking, boxing and primarily yoga. I find it surprising that your article did not discuss the benefits of yoga, which studies support. I've presented, demonstrated, trained other yoga instructors on yoga for Parkinson's. I am also the author of Yoga for Movement Disorders (partial proceeds of which I donate back to the full PD community to research foundations).
6
In quoting Oliver Sacks, MD important research: "-The brain is the most incredible thing in the universe," let us also be reminded of the importance of music and the exercise and joy of singing. As a voice coach and singing teacher, I have witnessed remarkable progress in vocal flexibility, breath support, timbre, core muscle coordination, as well as an improved demonstration of dynamic rhythm and time in my students with PD. A sense of wellbeing is difficult to measure, but an undeniable vitality and joy easily soars on intentional vocalized breath.
2
We know Parkinson's. It's relentless. There are different varieties. Some more, some less acute. Excercise is good. The outcome will not change. Runs in families. Emerges at different ages. Some young, some older where it's more common.
Cause or causes? No one knows, but... suspicions exist. Some are..
Biome based, deep in the underpinnings of life itself. Now being investigated... researched. Biome? Missing Microbes, by Martin J. Blaser MD, microbiologist, NYU department chair. Marty is digging now. Hua H. Wang PhD at OSU leads. Has published. Not on Parkinson's, on AMR, parenteral, tetracycline, misuse, over use, underuse.
Antibiotic kills the biome. Fact. Fact: biome is the smallest element we think about when waxing on life's particles. Like e=mc2, Einstein. Dark matter. Black holes. Theoretical at first. Then real. U-235 real. H bomb real.
Tetracycline by mouth in livestock messes with the gut biome. Push back is detailed by Blaser. But he does not suggest needle, rather than oral. I do. Hua does. All will, sooner or later. Pill pushers, livestock mavens, Parkinson's and others may be at the end of this line of inquiry. We are messing with God's particles. Life itself. The BLASER BIOME.
Martha Carlin - and Jack Anthony Gilbert PhD, U of Chicago, Argonne National, are digging. Martha's husband has Parkinson's. Those two know more. I know less.
But I am certain of livestock. By mouth, tetracycline alters growth, fat color, feed need is reduced. It's a BIG mess.
Cause or causes? No one knows, but... suspicions exist. Some are..
Biome based, deep in the underpinnings of life itself. Now being investigated... researched. Biome? Missing Microbes, by Martin J. Blaser MD, microbiologist, NYU department chair. Marty is digging now. Hua H. Wang PhD at OSU leads. Has published. Not on Parkinson's, on AMR, parenteral, tetracycline, misuse, over use, underuse.
Antibiotic kills the biome. Fact. Fact: biome is the smallest element we think about when waxing on life's particles. Like e=mc2, Einstein. Dark matter. Black holes. Theoretical at first. Then real. U-235 real. H bomb real.
Tetracycline by mouth in livestock messes with the gut biome. Push back is detailed by Blaser. But he does not suggest needle, rather than oral. I do. Hua does. All will, sooner or later. Pill pushers, livestock mavens, Parkinson's and others may be at the end of this line of inquiry. We are messing with God's particles. Life itself. The BLASER BIOME.
Martha Carlin - and Jack Anthony Gilbert PhD, U of Chicago, Argonne National, are digging. Martha's husband has Parkinson's. Those two know more. I know less.
But I am certain of livestock. By mouth, tetracycline alters growth, fat color, feed need is reduced. It's a BIG mess.
2
What are you talking about? :))
1
My father died in 2006. For the last 10 years of his life, he was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease / syndrome.
My mother had him walk (with her) on sidewalks / pavements for an hour or so every day, walks which unfortunately gradually shortened as his condition worsened.
Amazing what a person with a high degree of common sense and no college degree can provide as a caregiver.
My mother had him walk (with her) on sidewalks / pavements for an hour or so every day, walks which unfortunately gradually shortened as his condition worsened.
Amazing what a person with a high degree of common sense and no college degree can provide as a caregiver.
3
Here is an interesting video about the Rock Steady Boxing Program.
- YouTube - "Boxing Program Trains Patients to Beat Parkinson's"
- CBS Sunday Morning - With interviewer Lesley Stahl
Some other recommendations -
- Article - "Tips To Help Parkinson's Patients Move" - everydayhealth.com - When movement "freezes", sing or hum a tune, plus other suggestions
- Article - "Laser Pointer Helps Parkinson's Patients Next Step" - sciencedaily.com
- Search - "UStep" walker and laser cane
- Article - "The Skinny On Brain Fats" - psychologytoday.com
60% of the brain matter consists of fats. Importance of Omega-3 fatty acids
- YouTube - "NUStep" PlayList
- Website - nustep.com - Recumbent cross trainer
- YouTube - "Boxing Program Trains Patients to Beat Parkinson's"
- CBS Sunday Morning - With interviewer Lesley Stahl
Some other recommendations -
- Article - "Tips To Help Parkinson's Patients Move" - everydayhealth.com - When movement "freezes", sing or hum a tune, plus other suggestions
- Article - "Laser Pointer Helps Parkinson's Patients Next Step" - sciencedaily.com
- Search - "UStep" walker and laser cane
- Article - "The Skinny On Brain Fats" - psychologytoday.com
60% of the brain matter consists of fats. Importance of Omega-3 fatty acids
- YouTube - "NUStep" PlayList
- Website - nustep.com - Recumbent cross trainer
Parkinsons Wellness Recover (PWR!) in Tucson, AZ, is a research-based, Parkinsons specific exercise program founded by the amazing Becky Farley, PhD who has a physiotherapy and neurology background. The BASIC4 PWR!Moves offer a flexible and functional amplitude-focused exercise approach that targets multiple symptoms and allows for adaptation for disease severity so *anyone* can do them. The sooner you start after diagnosis the better.
Why this wonderful research-based program is not getting major attention and funding is a mystery to me. As an early onset person with Parkinson's, I want to exercise with maximum neuro-regenerative and physical impact. Yes, all exercise is beneficial, but Dr Farley's years of research shows that there are specific moves and intensity levels that are most beneficial for PD.
Why this wonderful research-based program is not getting major attention and funding is a mystery to me. As an early onset person with Parkinson's, I want to exercise with maximum neuro-regenerative and physical impact. Yes, all exercise is beneficial, but Dr Farley's years of research shows that there are specific moves and intensity levels that are most beneficial for PD.
1
Restless Legs Syndrome has much in common with Parkinson's, though it's not closely related.
Is anyone aware of research on types of exercise that might help severe RLS? Since the symptoms hit whenever I sit or lie down (if unmedicated), I get temporary relief from walking; half an hour on the treadmill delays the onset of night symptoms by about an hour. But what might relieve them all night?
Is anyone aware of research on types of exercise that might help severe RLS? Since the symptoms hit whenever I sit or lie down (if unmedicated), I get temporary relief from walking; half an hour on the treadmill delays the onset of night symptoms by about an hour. But what might relieve them all night?
1
I used to have problems with sleeping due to - restless legs, thigh cramps, and sleep apnea. Also - 40 lb. excess weight and intermittent atrial fibrillation.
I decided to try eating significantly more whole plant-based foods and good carbs (beans, whole grains,etc.), and significantly less fatty, salty, sugary, processed foods (bad carbs).
I recommend the following -
- Website - Nutrition/ Ornish Lifestyle Medicine - ornish.com
See video
- Article - Nutrient Density/ Dr Fuhrman - drfuhrman.com
I can never be a strict vegetarian, but the Nutrtarian food pyramid allows me to eat some meat, dairy products,etc.
I also take these supplements daily.
- Omega-3 fish oil - 2 gel caps
- Magnesium & calcium (2:1) tablet (includes zinc and vitamin D-3)
- Plus low dose aspirin
Over about a year, the health problems I listed above were largely resolved. I also use a recumbent exercise trainer.
I decided to try eating significantly more whole plant-based foods and good carbs (beans, whole grains,etc.), and significantly less fatty, salty, sugary, processed foods (bad carbs).
I recommend the following -
- Website - Nutrition/ Ornish Lifestyle Medicine - ornish.com
See video
- Article - Nutrient Density/ Dr Fuhrman - drfuhrman.com
I can never be a strict vegetarian, but the Nutrtarian food pyramid allows me to eat some meat, dairy products,etc.
I also take these supplements daily.
- Omega-3 fish oil - 2 gel caps
- Magnesium & calcium (2:1) tablet (includes zinc and vitamin D-3)
- Plus low dose aspirin
Over about a year, the health problems I listed above were largely resolved. I also use a recumbent exercise trainer.
4
I have been a care giver member of the Parkinson's disease support group for the last 15 years at Mount Sinai Beth Israel hospital in NYC, It's leader Sheree Loftus -Fader Ph.D has worked over thirty years with Parkinson's patients and has been in the forefront of advising us to have out loved ones with PD exercise.
Dr.Loftus has included in her extensive research the inclusion of traditional Chinese exercises as well ,such as Tai Chi & Chi Gong, the benefits of these exercises to my wife has been enormous in helping her keep her balance and reducung the number of PD related falls.
Dr.Loftus has included in her extensive research the inclusion of traditional Chinese exercises as well ,such as Tai Chi & Chi Gong, the benefits of these exercises to my wife has been enormous in helping her keep her balance and reducung the number of PD related falls.
2
The original journal paper does not claim that this intervention stops or slows the progression of the disease, only that it improves short term response measurements. If you ask someone to exercise, with or without PD, it will improve their ability to exercise and improve the skills related to that exercise. This is sort of a no-brainer, and does not imply any effect on the progression of the disease.
3
Thank you for writing this excellent article promoting the potential benefits of exercise for people like my late father afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease. As Chair of the Mark Morris Dance Group Dance for PD Advisory Board, I am especially gratified that you mentioned this outstanding program. The program serves people in all five boroughs of New York City, as well as in many locations throughout the U.S. and around the globe. From its grassroots beginnings with the Brooklyn Parkinson Group (now defunct), the program has grown and flourished under the aegis of Mark Morris, Nancy Umanoff, and the programmatic leadership of David Leventhal and Eva Nichols. Kudos to MMDG for seeing the potential of this innovative program and putting its considerable resources behind making it available to more and more people every year!
9
Here's a story about the NYC branch of Rock Steady Boxing, that meets at Gleason's Gym in DUMBO. It centers on Lesley Stahl's husband Aaron Latham, who has Parkinson's.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfDHGbuvqiw
"Nearly one million Americans are affected by Parkinson's disease, for which there is no cure. But there is a new program using professional boxing techniques to counterpunch the neurological disorder. Correspondent Lesley Stahl and her husband, Aaron Latham, who has Parkinson's, visit the Rock Steady Boxing program to see the promising results."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfDHGbuvqiw
"Nearly one million Americans are affected by Parkinson's disease, for which there is no cure. But there is a new program using professional boxing techniques to counterpunch the neurological disorder. Correspondent Lesley Stahl and her husband, Aaron Latham, who has Parkinson's, visit the Rock Steady Boxing program to see the promising results."
4
In addition to physical therapy and the PD-specific exercise programs, lessons in the Alexander Technique can also help someone manage the symptoms of Parkinson's. Early research suggests benefits may be had with a series of Alexander Technique lessons. AT was well received by the public and scientific community at the 4th World Parkinson's Congress last September. One person's story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJcSRE8oSDU. Research: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1545968315570323
1
I've been disabled over have of my life and without a doubt the best thing I can do (when I'm able to) for my physical and mental health is exercise. Not only is it cheap there are rarely any noxious side effects, as there are with many drugs. Furthermore, my sleep cycle is better so I have more energy during the day. We don't have to overdo it either as simply walking for 1/2 to 1 hour/day does wonders for me.
3
There is a website dedicated to helping Parkinson's People develop a comprehensive exercise program they can do on their own. The focus is on the interaction of the body and the mind. It's intention is to put off or even discontinue some medications. It's called Sweating Out Parkinson's Disease.
1
My BIL has severe Parkinson's. It has caused depression, cognitive loss, and insomnia that make him barely able to drag himself around, let alone exercise.
I'm happy for Susan Sills and people who, like her, are able to benefit from physical therapy. Hopefully as our population ages there will be more research dollars committed to finding a cure.
I'm happy for Susan Sills and people who, like her, are able to benefit from physical therapy. Hopefully as our population ages there will be more research dollars committed to finding a cure.
2
My husband's physician noted to him after his diagnosis of Parkinson's at age 68 that people who develop the disease later in life generally do better and don't deteriorate as rapidly as those who develop the disease earlier in life. Exercise can help but it is countered by the lack of energy and stamina that is also part of the disease.
5
yet another article in the well that sites no statistically relevant studies (or doesn't give us that information, anyway) and is full of anecdotal evidence and stories. Just like the 'running may be good for your knees' fiasco of last week. When I see the word 'may' in a well article, I can be sure it's scientifically unproven and word-of-mouth. I got some snake oil for ya.
2
There are 97 articles in the bibliography of the study cited and linked in paragraph 11. This article "gives the information" about this research, summarizing several programs' findings and illustrating with anecdotes from the experiences of patients. Just because you can't be bothered to click any links doesn't mean the evidence wasn't provided. It's the furthest thing from snake oil.
2
When people subjectively report improvement, why would yo suggest that these exercise programs are not worthwhile? Perhaps the doctoral level PTs could direct you so studies that support the results these people have.
2
Being skeptical is a logical approach towards appraising research and articles geared towards the general public, but this article does a good job of pointing the reader in the correct direction. The first link is the one cited in the actual article.
The word "may" is frequently used in the discussion/conclusion sections of medical research, even including those with statistically and clinically significant results. Research begins with a question, is followed by a hypothesis and the scientific method under (ideally) controlled conditions to to determine with some measure of quantifiable certainty whether or not you can reject the hypothesis. Using the word "may" to discuss conclusions is having journalistic responsibility.
To dismiss the benefits of exercise in the PD population by generally saying, "Well, exercise is good for everyone and should help you whether you have PD or not" is to dismiss the incremental benefit exercise has specifically in those with upper motor neuron lesions. The research on the benefits of exercise guides how physical therapists and other health care professionals can best optimize their interventions and minimize time performing other less-effective practices.
The word "may" is frequently used in the discussion/conclusion sections of medical research, even including those with statistically and clinically significant results. Research begins with a question, is followed by a hypothesis and the scientific method under (ideally) controlled conditions to to determine with some measure of quantifiable certainty whether or not you can reject the hypothesis. Using the word "may" to discuss conclusions is having journalistic responsibility.
To dismiss the benefits of exercise in the PD population by generally saying, "Well, exercise is good for everyone and should help you whether you have PD or not" is to dismiss the incremental benefit exercise has specifically in those with upper motor neuron lesions. The research on the benefits of exercise guides how physical therapists and other health care professionals can best optimize their interventions and minimize time performing other less-effective practices.
5
On a certain level I saw this for myself with my father, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's-like symptoms in his 70s. Those symptoms never progressed to an acute stage because he continued going to the gym three times a week (as he had begun in his late 40s) until shortly before he died at age 82.
5
I was diagnosed with PD at age 54 last year; all exercise and LSVT Big makes a huge difference. I find that I need reminders to "move big" as I often don't realize when movements are shrinking until muscles start to feel cramped. I encourage any walking partners to remind me to swing my arm and pick up my feet before I trip! I've been very open about the diagnosis with all friends and family, and everyone wants to "help" - - reminding me to move, and "moving" with me, is one of the best ways we can all work together and have fun with it at the same time.
11
My friend and CEO of an IT firm was diagnosed with PD in 2013 but dramatically reversed his the progression cutting UPDRS by 50% in 2015 with personlized Physical Training, Fitness and Yoga by experts. The key is personlization of the therapeutic workout, make it available in our convenience of location/time and experts be around to monitor, motivate and do the course correction. I am glad to inform that we made an app with this recipe. Called "9zest Parkinson's App", and available on Google Play or App Store, prescribes therapy based on holistic program with Physical Therapy, Fitness and Yoga. It is designed by clinical experts to improve motor induced movement disorders (dyskinesia, bradykinesia), gait, balance, postural stabilization and vocal function rehab; and also to improves non-motor symptoms such as social interaction and sense of overall well-being. Additionally, the PD patients have ability to work with live, online practitioners who can motivate, help course correction and even further customize the app to the specific condition.
4
Sounds interesting, but does not seem to be available on Canadian iTunes store. Any chance you will go international?
Found out about this article from scoop.it and it's interesting because I know a guy that is in his 70's with Parkinson's that can still do amazing things because of all the exercise he does, and I don't think he takes any medication. He has a podcast at http://blogtalkradio.com/upbeat_parkinsons_talk_radio and I think his site is http://www.sweatingoutpd.com/
2
As a practicing home care physical therapist I have worked with many folks with Parkinson's diagnosis, and yes, exercise makes a significant impact in slowing down the disease process. I also believe exercise at higher intensity can be beneficial. The problem with higher intesity exercise with elder population is increased incidents of injury and compliance with a challanging exercise program. Add that to Medicare paying for minimal physical therapy visits results in few clients able to actualize the known benefits of the programs suggested in this article. Unless one is highly motivated, has the means to afford a quality, experienced pratitioner like a PT and can slowly acclimate to a higher intensity exercise prescription, the solutions offered in the article will only be available and benefit to far too few
9
Great article...can Parkinson's afflict next in line generation wise ? I have been under the impression that it skips a generation before perhaps striking again.
6
Diagnosed with PD at 60; Adopted all of these techniques which do work. I'd add strength training, massages and a8+ hours of sleep.
10
The research presented by Dr. Horak and Dr. King, and others, at the 4th World Parkinson Congress last September was overwhelmingly positive regarding the efficacy of physical therapy and exercise for people living with Parkinson’s. While any exercise intervention will be helpful, the benefits of having an evaluation by a licensed physical therapist is that by understanding individual strengths and vulnerabilities, a specific and personalized plan can be developed to help the person with PD. All 50 states have some form of Direct Access, which means that a physical therapist can be seen without a physician’s referral. http://www.apta.org/StateIssues/DirectAccess/
16
Thanks, good info.
There is a wonderful film titled "Ride With Larry which documents a Parkinson'e patient who fought back through (3-wheel) cycling. It is available on CD.
10
Coincidentally I have just been reading Norman Doidge's new book, The Brain's Way of Healing, which has an extended discussion of how a gentleman in South Africa, a highly successful businessman who developed Parkinson's Disease in his 30's, was able to reverse the symptoms and dispense with his medication after adopting a regular regime of vigorous "conscious" walking. At one point an injury meant he had to give up his "conscious" walking and all his symptoms returned but, once he was able to resume, the symptoms gradually subsided again. His approach involved high intensity exercise but there was a further element. Too long to describe here but worth pursuing if you are affected. The author also describes how Parkinson's - or rather, the deficiency in certain types of neurotransmitters that appears to be a feature of the disease - can inhibit motivation, and why vigorous exercise can assuage this.
14
a geat deal of what we do in PT is to teach people mindfulness in movement patterns. This can override the short steps,etc that is characteristic of PD
Yes, do read Doidge's book The Brain's Way of Healing. It will give insights into intensive exercise, and less strenuous ways of connecting the brain and body, like the Feldenkrais® Method of Somatic Movement.
Exercise seems to be the best tonic for most of life's ills. I've been stressing out in a major way since Trump got into power, and I think a program of boxing as well as calling my representatives could do wonders for my frame and frame of mind. Nice column!
36
How I wish my mother had gotten this guidance. When she developed Parkinson's symptoms in the late 1970s, her doctor -- who was head of neurology at one of NYC's top hospitals at the time -- told her not to waste her time with an exercise regimen. She loved to dance, and I can only imagine how she would have benefited from a dance or yoga program...not only physically but as a way of combating the depression that often accompanies the disease.
29
Another in a long documented history that exercise does help alleviate symptoms of Parkinsons. Now if I can get off the couch!
5
More and more its becoming obvious that humans NEED to move in order to remain in any sort of "healthy state." Sedentary lifestyles are not healthy for any population. But western culture has long been promoting doing less physically as one of modernities ultimate goals. To be successful meant being free to do less physically. Which is clearly one of the reasons behind the increases in disease in the west, and especially the US.
Only in the most extreme cases of illness and injury should a person sit/lay still for extended periods of time.
Evolution made us movement reliant creatures, whose health and well being involves regular, as in daily, bouts of moderate to vigorous movement.
Only in the most extreme cases of illness and injury should a person sit/lay still for extended periods of time.
Evolution made us movement reliant creatures, whose health and well being involves regular, as in daily, bouts of moderate to vigorous movement.
8
Its amazing how much exercise can possibly impact one's life. Reading this article only reinforces my belief about exercise and physical activity being one of the greatest escapes. I do not even have Parkinson's disease yet I can understand why and how exercise could have many positive effects. As an average individual who just does regular room workouts three to four times a week, I have arrived at the conclusion that the positive physical effects are just by products. The primary benefit of exercising is the effect it has on the brain, in my opinion. Chemicals such as Seratonin and Dopamine are released which make one feel calm and promote motivation and optimism. I personally believe that everybody should exercise at least a bit and not laze and wait till they get diagnosed with Parkinson's!
8
as a corollary, could people who exercise in their 60's and 70's delay the onset of Parkinsonism?
8
Great and important article! Susan is a member of the wonderful Brooklyn Parkinsons Group (BrooklynParkinsonGroup.org) and Dance for PD, both of which hold numerous free dance, singing, movement and exercise classes at Mark Morris Dance Studio and LIU. The twice-weekly exercise classes at LIU include Rock Steady Boxing and aerobics, and weight training with classes restarting next week and is listed at above BPG website. You need to be cleared by your Neuro and have an pre-class assessment before joining class. The "woman with Parkinson's" referred to by the doctor in Cleveland who improved so dramatically after high intensity biking is Nan Little, whose incredible and inspiring book details her experience. It's called, "If I Can Climb Mt Kilamanjaro, Why Can't I Brush My Teeth?" It's on Amazon, (or order from your local bookstore!) I'm 17 years postPD diagnosis and daily high intensity biking for fifteen minutes dramatically improves my own mobility and functioning. My informational web site and blog is Www.Leonoregordonpdspeak.Com
12
I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinsons 8 years ago at age 47. I exercise vigorously 6-7 days per week for 1 hour per day (cycling, spinning, crossfit style high intensity). I increased the intensity of my workouts, from 5 days 1/2 hr per day to current levels about 2 years after getting diagnosed. My symptoms abated and my neurologist tells me I am doing better than 90% of patients who have had the disease for a similar amount of time. I attribute this exercise since, when I take a vacation break, my symptoms return.
30
Are there any studies or journal articles?
There are many. Go to Google Scholar and search on "parkinson's exercise" and you'll see more studies than you have time.
1
Check out OHSU webpage: http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/brain/getting-treatment/diagnosis...
In addition Becky Farley, PHD, MS, PT has published some great findings as well.
The research is very promising as to the efficacy of exercise as it relates to alleviating many symptoms of PD. Of course, it is not a cure but it has been shown to significantly help with the many symptoms that accompany PD.
In addition Becky Farley, PHD, MS, PT has published some great findings as well.
The research is very promising as to the efficacy of exercise as it relates to alleviating many symptoms of PD. Of course, it is not a cure but it has been shown to significantly help with the many symptoms that accompany PD.
2
There are many fine yoga programs geared for people with Parkinson's to help specifically with balance, flexibility, and strength, a great supplement to the aerobic exercises mentioned in this article and good for those who cannot do the more challenging exercises.
10
Both my father and brother died of Parkinson's. I'm here to tell you that its progress is inexorable. You may be able to fend it off for a while but I'm sorry to say it is impossible to win a victory against this evil disease. Millions of Americans suffer from Parkinson's; meanwhile billions are literally thrown away on fruitless and destructive pursuits such as the invasions of innocent countries and the manufacture of humanity-destroying weapons. It is unbelievable to me that this country has not seen fit to invest in discovering a cure and prevention for this horrible disease.
36
My grandmother had Parkinsons in the 1960s -- along with a couple of other diseases that afflict usually the elderly -- and a new drug in those days, L-dopa, helped a little.
I agree with we have some pretty strange priorities. It's amazing to me, too, that we have allowed our pharmaceutical companies to reap hundreds of billions of dollars and do not much with that money other than give their CEOs big salaries.
Once upon a time, the United States funded scientific and medical research, and we invented antibiotics and sent men to the moon. It was also the United States government that funded computer-building and paved the way for the internet.
Not so much, lately. Our Congress couldn't even decide last year to fund Zika research. We can't figure out how to kill mosquitoes, either, without poisoning a lot of birds along with them. We won't fund flood-control projects although the Dutch have been keeping back their side of the Atlantic for a long time.
And that penny-wise, pound-foolish approach has been going on for decades. Now we'll really be in trouble. Parkinsons, cancer, tropical diseases, auto-immune diseases -- and no or inadequate health insurance -- what a world we've allowed to come into being.
I agree with we have some pretty strange priorities. It's amazing to me, too, that we have allowed our pharmaceutical companies to reap hundreds of billions of dollars and do not much with that money other than give their CEOs big salaries.
Once upon a time, the United States funded scientific and medical research, and we invented antibiotics and sent men to the moon. It was also the United States government that funded computer-building and paved the way for the internet.
Not so much, lately. Our Congress couldn't even decide last year to fund Zika research. We can't figure out how to kill mosquitoes, either, without poisoning a lot of birds along with them. We won't fund flood-control projects although the Dutch have been keeping back their side of the Atlantic for a long time.
And that penny-wise, pound-foolish approach has been going on for decades. Now we'll really be in trouble. Parkinsons, cancer, tropical diseases, auto-immune diseases -- and no or inadequate health insurance -- what a world we've allowed to come into being.
37
The latest thinking is that keeping fit and exercising is the one thing that MAY prevent PD from progressing. The American Parkinson's Disease Foundation, the Parkinson's Foundation, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation are three major groups raising money for research, advocating for PwPD (People with PD), looking for a cure. This is not the time to make cuts in research but the present administration may do just that.
Data on the effectiveness of exercise are confounded by almost all controlled studies also leading to social interaction: the exercise has usually been done as part of group. To disentangle the relative contribution of exercise and social interaction (which leads to increases in quality of life measures and motor symptom improvement) is very difficult. The good news is that moderate exercise has few adverse effects (perhaps a stiff or sore muscle).
2
Here's some of the original LSVT BIG published research (not sure if this link will lead anywhere, but if you search for LSVT BIG on pubmed you will find what you're looking for): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20669294
These therapies are done in individual sessions using a specific protocol.
These therapies are done in individual sessions using a specific protocol.
6
In my experience the medicine allows our bodies to move. We then have a choice to exercise to make the most of that opportunity. At age 71, nine years into life with PD, my primary exercise is high cadence cycling (80-90 rpm at least 3 times/week) as described by Dr. Alberts at the Cleveland Clinic. Does it work? Absolutely! I have ridden the 450 miles across Iowa 6 times, climbed Mt. Kilamanjaro, hiked to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal, hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, etc., all with Parkinson's. Three days ago I returned from a ski trip to Whistler in British Columbia. I ride either outside or on a trainer at least an hour every day possible. Connecting with others through public speaking and writing a book gives my life purpose and my brain cognitive support. We all have choices when faced with life challenges.
41
In other words the diagnosis doesn't mean that one should stop exercising or never take it up. It means finding exercises that will keep the muscles going, slow or prevent the problems that come through in the long term, and take care of yourself. Of course all this presumes access to health care. That's the biggest challenge. However, Parkinson's or not, we all ought to be exercising to keep our minds and bodies in good condition.
17
Really, Why do we need access to healthcare to get active? There are literally hundreds of ways to get active in a 24-hour cycle each day. Let me count the ways for someone well into seventies:
Carrying a 7 kg cat litter box home from grocery store 15 minute walk away together with another bag of 3 kg of other produce etc.
Taking a brisk wakk for 45 minutes each day, rain, sun, snow, shine with a midway break for coffee.
Forget elevators when get home or in a library or office or subway. Head right to the steps or if in a hurry walk 2-steps gait on escalators and stairs.
Go two, four, more floors beyond your floor, really. I sometimes go to eight floors and try using the arms pulling up on handrails.
And so much more...and none told by a therapist. As 4-year-olds we knew more ways to move. The problem is not resources, it's our own apathy toward activity, turning exercise into a means for rather than something for its own end. Forget there's some morality to it. Movement is prior to all these. If it weren't we would be festering on our backs as babies born with least muscle and utterly devoid of any exterior incentive, except maybe reaching for breast milk.
Carrying a 7 kg cat litter box home from grocery store 15 minute walk away together with another bag of 3 kg of other produce etc.
Taking a brisk wakk for 45 minutes each day, rain, sun, snow, shine with a midway break for coffee.
Forget elevators when get home or in a library or office or subway. Head right to the steps or if in a hurry walk 2-steps gait on escalators and stairs.
Go two, four, more floors beyond your floor, really. I sometimes go to eight floors and try using the arms pulling up on handrails.
And so much more...and none told by a therapist. As 4-year-olds we knew more ways to move. The problem is not resources, it's our own apathy toward activity, turning exercise into a means for rather than something for its own end. Forget there's some morality to it. Movement is prior to all these. If it weren't we would be festering on our backs as babies born with least muscle and utterly devoid of any exterior incentive, except maybe reaching for breast milk.
1
Very inspiring -- and the agility program is r thoroughly described at the link provided, The program - while aimed at those with PD, sounds like a comprehensive approach to maintaining mobility for many aging individuals.
23