Hello everyone, We are excited to share a recent zoom interview with you all. This is Molly from UpENDing Parkinsons (Website: https://www.upendparkinsons.com/ ). Take a minute to check out her website. Although some research has started in Europe, little has been done in the USA regarding rock climbing as a viable treatment option for PD. Here is one of the articles: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04569981 Rock climbing is great for building strength, flexibility, endurance, and confidence all without the risk of falling. We like that it is something unique too. Your brain will get bored when you repeat the same activity over and over again. It is one of the reasons why we like boxing so much. It is always challenging you in different ways. We think rock climbing is a really exciting new possibility for those with PD. Check out the video and Molly's website. If this got you motivated, comment below with some pictures of you rock climbing! Thank you!
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Unfortunately there is no genetic testing to diagnose Parkinson's Disease at this time. You CAN get genetic testing done to determine whether you carry specific genetic mutations related to PD. "PD GENEration: Mapping a future of PD" offers genetic testing and counseling at no extra charge to people with PD. The hope is that the information gathered in this testing will improve our understanding of PD and how to better identify and treat it. To enroll in this program from the Parkinson's Foundation check out: Parkinson.org/PDGENEration Check out the video below for more information. Weekly Challenge:
Lie flat on your back (no pillows if possible!) and take 20 very big deep breaths. Try to do this 1x every single day! A study by Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience looked at "Exercise-induced neuroprotection of the nigrostiratal dopamine system in Parkinson's Disease." They concluded that appropriately timed and dosed exercise may not only protect people from developing PD, but also could protect part of the dopamine producing system in people with PD by "restoring the dysfunctional cortico-basal ganglia motor control circuit." They also said that exercise may trigger the production of "endogenous neuroprotective molecules such as neurotrophic factors." So what does all this neuro-jargon mean for you? What is your action item today? It means that exercise is critical before and after a diagnosis of PD. The dose of exercise is critical as well. Much like medicine in a pill form, there is such thing as too much and too little. Please discuss this topic with your local physical therapist and develop an appropriate plan for exercising regularly. Everyone is different, so get some help coming up with a custom plan for you. Mid April Workout Challenge Every day this week, try to do 50 sit-to-stands each day. If it is safe for you to do, do it without using your hands. Have someone nearby to help if you are at risk for falls. The New York Times published an article in 2017 discussing how different types of exercise had varying effects specifically on the progression of the disease. The study (from JAMA Neurology) cited showed that very intense treadmill exercise by people with Parkinson's reduced the progression of the disease while people that performed gentle exercise did not seem to be able to delay the disease progression.
Researchers in the study pointed out that starting this intense exercise very early in the progression could greatly delay the need for medications. The goal there being that the medications lose their effectiveness over time. This study treated exercise as a drug and carefully prescribed and tracked the dose of the "medication" ie exercise and the patient's response. The group that worked out intensely showed little to no decline during the trial (6-mo) versus the other groups (less intense exercise) that showed decline. As always, speak with your neurologist and physical therapist before starting high-intensity exercise. As long as it is safe, regular high-intensity exercise appears to be one of the single best things you can do for reducing symptoms related to PD. FULL ARTICLE HERE Hello Nectar Community, There was a great study published in 2017 looking at types of exercise and their benefits for people with Parkinson's Disease. In the past, it was thought that intense exercise was not good. Fortunately this has been objectively disproven. One of the authors noted that not only is it important to exercise at a high intensity, but the earlier you get started, the more likely you can prevent symptoms. Compared with a group that did medium intensity exercise and a group that did no exercise, the high-intensity group showed the greatest reduction in symptoms overall. Study Highlights
- recommend working out at a heart rate of about 80-85% their max. - high-intensity exercise should be done about 4x/wk. - this type of exercise should be a regular part of the routine over the long-term. Check out the full article and other studies linked here: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171211123113.htm Sample Workout: try to repeat circuit as many times as possible for 30-minutes. - 10 squats - 20 step ups - 20 overhead press with weights - 10 sit to stands - walk 5 - minutes at a brisk pace Hello Nectar of the Neurons Community,
parkinsonsnewstoday.com came out with a great article highlighting different types of exercise that are good for people with Parkinson's Disease. Check out "12 Types of Exercise Suitable for Parkinson's Disease Patients." Take away points: - The bottom line is that ALL exercise is great and suitable, but the higher the intensity, the more benefit. - It is critical to include variety. Do some on your own, some as a group, some with equipment, some without. - Find something that you can do safely and that challenges you. - Places like a YMCA have many great group classes for all levels. Post some pictures below with a description to show us what you enjoy. Maybe you'll inspire someone else to do something new! Hello Nectar of the Neurons Community,
We've been doing a lot of research looking for other good resources for our community. The Parkinson's Foundation has been doing a lot of work trying to provide solid information, especially for the newly diagnosed as it can be extremely overwhelming. They have created a variety of great packets, booklets, and resources for you. We highly recommend checking them out. Parkinson's Foundation Parkinson.org/NewlyDiagnosed Parkinson's Foundation Youtube Page Feel free to share your thoughts below in the comments section. Dear Valued Readers,
We get a lot of questions about what a week’s exercise routine should look like. This is highly individualized to the person and should be developed by your healthcare team and your input. Here, we are providing a generic template with the major components included. Most research recommends exercising daily. Remember that higher intensity exercise has been shown to be more effective by the research. The amount of time you spend depends on the intensity of the exercise and your health and fitness levels. In general, about an hour per day is recommended. What do you think? Does this look like your routine? Do you do something different? Comment below! Weekly Schedule Monday
Hello Valued Readers,
One of the things we have heard a lot of throughout the pandemic is that people are struggling to figure out how to exercise at home (What to do, how many to do, etc.). We are going to start sharing a variety of exercise routines you can do around your home in the coming weeks. Today's routine focuses on very functional movements to help improve your mobility around your home. Stay tuned for more workouts. Thank you, Nectar of the Neurons Team PS. If you like the blog, please share with your friends. Hello valued readers,
This may seem like a basic concept, but it is so critical that everyone understands. Exercise has been shown to have neuroprotective benefits. In layman's terms, this means exercise can reduce symptoms associated with Parkinson's Disease which is HUGE! High intensity exercise (makes you tired, sweaty, and out of breath) can reduce tremors, improve flexibility, and decrease fall risk among many other benefits. There are many types of exercise and many recommendations out there on type, duration, etc. Here are the factors that seem to be consistent in all the research - be consistent. Most or all days of the week. - high intensity exercise is best. The harder the better. - stretch daily. - walk daily For more detail: CLICK HERE or click the image below. |
The BlogThe blog is all about providing useful information for people, their caregivers, and/or friends. This is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is a series of generic recommendations, not for any specific individual. Please consult with your own health care professional before starting exercise. Enter your email here to receive updates on the blog!Archives
March 2024
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