Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects the nervous system and makes movement difficult. This condition is progressive. In other words, it starts slowly and gradually worsens. MayoClinic.com reports that as of 2010, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease. As motor abilities degenerate, exercise becomes crucial. Home exercise will not alter the progression of the illness, but it will improve mobility.
Disease
There may be a number of factors in the development of Parkinson's disease. MayoClinic.com explains that genetic mutations are one likely culprit. The trigger for these changes may be hereditary. If Parkinson's runs in the family, you have greater risk of developing the illness. There may also be environmental factors that put people at risk for Parkinson's. MayoClinic.com states that exposure to some toxins and viruses can start the degeneration.
Symptoms
Parkinson's usually starts with small tremors. Shaking in the hands is one initial symptom. Tremors can affect the entire appendage or just one finger. A second flag for Parkinson's is freezing movement. A person may be walking and suddenly stop for one or two seconds and then go again. As the illness progresses, slowing of motion becomes worse. Bradykinesia is the inability to initiate voluntary movements. For example, an individual may look at a coffee cup or put his hand on it, but be unable to force his arm to lift it. Face muscles may not respond, so a person with Parkinson's shows little emotion. Other symptoms include balance problems, reduced arm movement when walking, rigid muscles and limited range of motion. Some symptoms may improve with regular exercise therapy.
Exercise
Physical therapy is a vital part of maintaining muscle control. Most exercises involve range of motion, mobility and muscle tone. MayoClinic.com states that exercises may help counteract some of the degenerative problems and provide the patient with more confidence and control. Exact exercise routines depend on the affected body regions. For example, one simple exercise that can improve balance is walking in a straight line across the room. A range of motion exercise might involve making small circles with your arms. The circles would widen slowly. The best approach is to have a physical therapist design a program that helps work body areas that are most problematic. Individualized planning for home exercise can help enhance problem regions and provide mobility. A 1989 study by the City University of New York School of Nursing shows that patients with structured home exercise routines did improve both physically and mentally.
Treatments
Treatments are available that go beyond just exercise. MayoClinic.com reports the most effective drug therapy for Parkinson's disease is levodopa. This is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that sends nerve impulses. Supplemental levodopa in pill form may improve the production of dopamine in the brain. Other drug protocols include MAO B inhibitors with prevent the break down of dopamine and anticholinergics, drugs that help control tremors.
Considerations
Exercise is not enough to treat Parkinson's disease. A doctor will rely on diet management, drug and physical therapy to help control symptoms. It is important to see a doctor if you have reoccurring tremors or feel like you get stuck when moving. These would be initial symptoms of the illness. The sooner you get treatment, the better you chances are of slowing the progressive of the illness.
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