What is Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s affects about a million adults in the United States. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder meaning that over time it does get worse, and that it’s caused by degeneration of neurons in the brain. The specific neurons affected produce a chemical called dopamine. Parkinson’s causes tremor, slow movement, loss of coordination, and muscle stiffness.
While Parkinson’s does not have a cure, symptoms can be managed, and progression can be slowed allowing people with Parkinson’s to live a high quality and active life.
What can be done?
Currently, the primary treatments for Parkinson’s are medication and exercise. There are surgical options for people who have exhausted the medications available, or who suffer profound motor deficits.
Medication People with Parkinson’s should closely collaborate with their neurologist due to the individualized medication needs. Levodopa drugs are often the first choice, converting into dopamine to alleviate symptoms such as tremor and rigidity. Other medications can be used alone or alongside levodopa. Ongoing assessments and adjustments to the medication regimen are typically required as symptoms evolve and change.
Exercise
Research has shown that exercise can help with both motor and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s. The most important thing for people with Parkinson’s is to get started with exercise early in the disease process and to be consistent with exercise. Your exercise program should focus on a few different components:
- Flexibility exercises
- Aerobic activity
- Muscle strengthening
Some types of exercise like Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, biking, or dancing combine several of these elements.
Your physical therapist will complete an individualized evaluation to determine the areas where you have the most trouble, then work with you to design an exercise program to address these areas. They can help you find beneficial types of exercise that you enjoy, which will help you stay consistent with your program and reap the most benefits.
While there is no one answer to manage symptoms and slow progression of Parkinson’s disease, working with your physician and your physical therapist using a combination of medication and exercise has been shown to lead to the highest quality of life.