Parkinson’s, Exercise, and the Brain/Body Connection

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that progressively affects a person’s ability to control body movements, caused by a disorder of certain nerve cells in a part of the brain that produces dopamine, a chemical messenger the brain uses to help direct and control body movement. As these nerve cells break down, dopamine levels drop and brain signals that direct movement become abnormal. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear when these dopamine-producing nerve cells become damaged or die.

Parkinson’s disease typically begins relatively late in life, around age 60 on average, and progresses slowly over time. In 5 to 10 percent of cases, Parkinson’s disease may develop in those younger than 50 and, rarely, in those in their 20’s or 30’s. The term “young-onset Parkinson’s disease” is used when symptoms appear before age 50.

So the question is – – what can we do to stay active and possibly slow the progression?

Exercise and Parkinson’s have received limited attention in the past, but with the increase in Parkinson’s diagnoses, more research is being done.

Strength, Balance, Fine Motor, and Flexibility Training – – research studies show these four specific types of exercises are key to slowing down the progression of the disease and can also improve symptoms in some cases. This includes, using weights, cardiovascular, Parkinson’s specific Boxing, Cycling, Dancing, etc.

Adding the Cognitive Component (this is most beneficial) – –

Consider the following study:

K.E. Cruise  R. S. Bucks  A. M. Loftus  R. U. Newton  R. Pegoraro  M. G. Thomas

First published: 03 December 2010 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0404.2010.01338.x

Objectives: This study evaluated the benefits of exercise for cognitive functioning, mood and disease-specific quality of living for people with PD.

Results: Improved frontal lobe executive function had select benefits for cognitive function.

Conclusions: These results of this trial are consistent with previous research showing the select benefits of exercise for executive function among normal aging adults and PD.

Working the Brain/Body connection (disconnection) with this specifically developed exercise program, helps to reintegrate the neuropathways and allow the client to better navigate their daily activities of living (ADLs) as well as enjoy the things they love to do for as long as possible.

So, how soon should someone who has been diagnosed with the disease start an exercise program as described above?

In nearly every case it’s always the sooner the better. For someone who’s already exercising, it’s an added benefit, but that isn’t to say that somebody who has never exercised will not make extraordinary gains in this type of a program.

If you, a loved one, or someone you know is in need of, or could benefit from, a Parkinson’s related Exercise Program please visit us, the DMK Fitness team, at dmkfit.com or call for an appointment and consultation at (314)705-0114.