Search Weight Loss Topics:




Feb 4

ASK REGIONAL HEALTH: Exercise can help minimize effects of Parkinson’s

Exercise Programs Comments Off on ASK REGIONAL HEALTH: Exercise can help minimize effects of Parkinson’s

Q: My husband was diagnosed last year with Parkinson's disease. Recently, he has noticed more difficulty getting around the house. Are there any exercise programs available here to help him improve his mobility?

A: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, meaning that the symptoms of the disorder will worsen over time.

It is caused by a problem with the nerve cells in the brain that make an important chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for sending signals to the part of the brain that controls muscle movement and coordination. With PD, there is a breakdown of these cells, and they can no longer generate dopamine. As the disease progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control movement normally.

The most common symptoms of PD are tremors, slowness of movement, stiffness of the limbs and trunk, and impaired balance and coordination. The symptoms might seem very mild in the beginning, and the progression can vary from person to person. It is never too early to begin addressing the physical, cognitive and emotional limitations caused by PD, and it is wonderful you are looking to be proactive in helping your husband to maintain good mobility.

Although the neurological damage due to PD cannot be reversed, maintaining muscle tone and function is a very important aspect in the treatment of the disease in order for someone to maintain independence and quality of life.

Medication can be used for symptom relief and to minimize adverse effects, but a growing number of studies suggest the exercise approach brings greater benefits for functional performance in individuals with PD than relying on medication alone.

You might be interested to know that in order to increase the availability, quality and standardization of PD-specific exercise programs in the Black Hills region, many Regional Health physical and occupational therapists have attended, or will be attending, NeuroFit's Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR) program - a PD-exercise expert training program.

PWR incorporates the Exercise4BrainChange model in the form of exercise and enrichment to target not only the physical deficits of PD, but also cognitive and emotional functioning. It is a program based on the latest basic and clinical science research on neuroplasticity and learning. It has been proven to have the ability to delay disease onset, slow disease progression, restore motor function and increase longevity and quality of life. Its goal is to promote "neurofitness for life" and hopefully eliminate end-stage Parkinson's disease.

Therapy teams throughout the Regional Health network include Custer Regional Hospital, Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital, Regional Rehabilitation Institute, Spearfish Regional Hospital and Sturgis Regional Hospital; all are prepared to partner with patients and families in response to the growing needs of our population with Parkinson's disease.

Rachel Arnold is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT, at Regional Rehabilitation Institute. Ask Regional Health appears once a month in the Health section. Email non-urgent medical questions for possible future column consideration to AskAProfessional@RegionalHealth.com.

Read the rest here:
ASK REGIONAL HEALTH: Exercise can help minimize effects of Parkinson’s

Related Posts

    Your Full Name

    Your Email

    Your Phone Number

    Select your age (30+ only)

    Select Your US State

    Program Choice

    Confirm over 30 years old

    Yes

    Confirm that you resident in USA

    Yes

    This is a Serious Inquiry

    Yes

    Message:



    matomo tracker