You have seen some of the “faces” of Parkinson’s disease — Mohammad Ali, Michael J. Fox, Pope John Paul II, Neil Diamond. Some of those faces may also be your neighbor, friend, work colleague, a church member. What you may not know is what Parkinson’s is and how it’s managed.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects approximately 1 million people in the United States and 10 million people worldwide. It was first described by Dr. James Parkinson in 1817 in his article, “An Essay on Shaking Palsy.”
This disorder affects the predominantly dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate movement. Lack of or decrease in dopamine can cause stiffness in movement, imbalance and tremors.
There is no one way to diagnose Parkinson’s, but there are four main motor symptoms that occur: tremor; slow movements; stiffness/rigidity of arms, legs and trunk; and trouble with balance and falls. The causes are unknown, but it has possibly been linked to genetic factors in <10 percent of the cases, environment and age, as it is most common in those 50 years of age and older.
While there currently is no cure for Parkinson’s, treatment focuses on controlling the symptoms. Treatment may include medication, surgery and exercise. Exercise has proven to be very beneficial in combating this disease. It boosts energy, promotes better sleep, strengthens arms and legs, helps build stronger bones and improves walking and balance, to name a few. Exercise boosts the blood flow to the brain and helps it receive oxygen. Exercise for Parkinson’s has proven to improve the ability of the brain to learn change (neuroplasticity) and slow the progression of the disease (neuroprotective). The type of exercise that has been proven to be most beneficial through research is that of high intensity (aerobics included) and large movement. Exercise classes provide an environment for social support and the ability to learn from each other.
Through the Parkinson’s exercise and support groups provided by Mercy Health-St. Rita’s, staff members Beth Hartoon, PT, DPT and Heather Harvey, we are providing a fun and social environment for which people with Parkinson’s can meet others with similar problems and also improve their function. Concepts learned in these classes can be carried over to home exercise programs, community-based classes, exercises at local fitness centers, Silver Sneakers programs and seniors programs. Exercise classes meet weekly in both Lima and Ottawa with support groups in both locations meeting monthly.
Hartoon has been involved in the programs since 2002, having both her mother and mother-in-law being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She went on to do her doctoral project on exercise and its relationship with Parkinson’s disease. She is certified in BIG and Delay the Disease — both nationally recognized programs focusing on evidence-based treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Harvey joined her in 2015 and is also certified in Delay the Disease.
As our participants say, “I may have Parkinson’s, but Parkinson’s doesn’t have me”!
For more information about our programs or to enroll in classes/support groups, please call 419-226-9019 or 419-523-3590.
http://www.limaohio.com/features/lifestyle/291198/st-ritas-health-focus-an-update-on-parkinsons-disease
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