Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes difficulty walking, staying coordinated and tremors throughout the body. Usually developing in later life, Parkinson's disease has no cure, though it can be treated with medication. Exercise may be beneficial for Parkinson's disease in the early stages.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease, a disorder of the nervous system, more commonly affects men and women over the age of 60, with ten to 15 percent of cases occurring in those under 45. This disease arises when the nerve cells in the brain that produce the chemical dopamine are slowly and irreversibly destroyed. This disorder prevents the brain from sending messages to the nervous system and eventually results in the loss of muscle function. Because Parkinson's is thought in some part to be genetic, you may be more at risk if other members of your family are sufferers.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include difficulty swallowing, difficulty with coordination, stooped position, slowed movements, lack of facial expression, drooling, tremors, stiff muscles, confusions, memory loss, dementia and depression. The aim of treatment is to control symptoms, though as the disease advances, medication may not be as effective. Commonly prescribed medications for Parkinson's disease include Levodopa, Entacapone, and Pramipexole.
Exercise Aims
Exercises for Parkinson's disease focus on loosening muscles and improving posture, improving balance and coordination, improving speech and chewing. Sufferers may find from time to time that they are suddenly unable to continue walking because of muscles locking. If this happens, raise each foot one at a time while standing on the spot until you are ready to regain momentum.
Exercise in Practice
If you are aiming for a chair or bed and you find that your muscles have locked in place, use the same technique, but instead of aiming for the chair, aim a little way past it. This will help you maintain momentum until you reach your goal. To help keep your hands and arms functioning, the Center for Neurologic study recommends using them as often as possible. Always try to dress yourself, undoing and fastening buttons is a good exercise. Preparing food, writing and using a squeeze ball will also help.
