Dance beneficial for Parkinson's disease, other movement disorders

January 29, 2016 

Carol Boutcher and Bruce Popielarski participate in a "Dance For Parkinson's disease" class recently at the YMCA in Ormond Beach. Dr. Mandeep Garewal, a neurologist in Ormond Beach, said the many steps involved in dance is what makes it beneficial for those with Parkinson's disease . “Dancing involves more complex moves then simply walking which activates more neurons and may translate into a higher yield exercise for preserving neuronal integrity — if done routinely,” Garewal said. News-Journal/David Tucker

At Dance for Parkinson’s disease, the music can be pop and high energy or it can be as alluring and sexy as Latin ballroom, but oftentimes it's peppy and nostalgic as an upbeat dance to the '50s classic, "Mr. Sandman."

Music for people living with a movement disorder needs to be stimulating, but it’s not simply the muscles that are getting a workout.

Imagination and memory come into play as well. Dancers must act out an imaginary activity — such as hitting a golf ball or blowing up a balloon — before they can leave the dance floor.

The evocative power of music has the ability "to alleviate a lot of symptoms,” including inhibition and social isolation, said Vince Kinsler, the executive director of the Parkinson’s Association of Greater Daytona Beach, which underwrites the cost of the four-times-a-week dance classes at four YMCA's in Volusia County.

There's power in community, too.

“When they are dancing, they’re with other people who don’t care what they look like," Kinsler said.

His organization has 630 members in Volusia and Flagler counties, but Kinsler believes many more locals are affected by Parkinson's because of the big turnout at monthly lectures given by neurologists and other specialists. Kinsler said he often he sees a "lot of faces" he has never seen before at these talks.

Kinsler used to think many people were "in the closet" with their Parkinson's, but many people might also be too busy to join an organization. They still might be at early stages of Parkinson's and are still working 9-to-5 jobs.

Because Parkinson's is so gradual, many people might have the disorder but don't know it yet, Kinsler said. It's common for people to live with it for years before they are diagnosed, he said.

Parkinson's is a progressive disorder of the nervous system with symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and slowing of movement, caused by the breakdown of neurons and the loss of dopamine.

There is no known cure but regular exercise is thought to be helpful in alleviating the symptoms.  The Mark Morris Dance Group of Brooklyn, New York, has taught instructors around the country on how to "Dance with PD," including the instructors at the local YMCA.

Dr. Mandeep Garewal, a neurologist in Ormond Beach, said the many steps involved in dance is what makes it beneficial.

“Dancing involves more complex moves then simply walking which activates more neurons and may translate into a higher yield exercise for preserving neuronal integrity — if done routinely,” Garewal said.

“Motor memory and balance can improve with dancing,” Garewal said.

The exercise needs to be habitual to be effective, Garewal added.

John Mirabella, a Port Orange man who has Parkinson's, said he notices a difference in his health if he stops dancing for a week to go on a trip. He usually dances three times a week at the Y.

“With Parkinson's, the more you move, the better off you are,” added John Gerback of Ormond Beach after a recent dance class.

“Otherwise you get to the point where you stiffen up, and that’s a big problem,” John said. His wife, Gloria, has lived with Parkinson’s for the past 15 years.

Patricia Mirabella, wife of John, said Parkinson's can impact the simple kinds of movement that most people take for granted. "Getting out of a car, getting out of a chair, just pivoting is a big deal for (with people with Parkinson's),” said Patricia.

 “Reaching for something in a cabinet could throw them off their balance," Patricia said.

Patricia likes that every dance class includes stretching and breathing exercises. "It doesn’t seem like much to you and I, but to them it’s a big deal," Patricia said.

After the dance class, there is social time with coffee and cookies.

“It’s good to be with other people who are in the same shoes as you,” Patricia said. “They can tell you what they found to be helpful, even give referrals to doctors.”

Kinsler appreciates the effort people put into the dance.

“I don’t have the disease. I am relatively healthy. I could benefit by moving and exercise, but I don’t take advantage of it to the degree that I should," Kinsler said.

“People with Parkinson's are already in a compromised state,” Kinsler said. “Because this disease is so miserable, they are a highly motivated group of people.”

http://health.einnews.com/article/309006748/kQ7qcAKddEMfxgGO