Exercise

Exercise can improve non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Exercise has potential to improve non-motor as well as motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), including cognitive function, report investigators in a review published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.

PD is a slowly progressive disorder that affects movement, muscle control, and balance. While traditionally regarded as a movement disorder, it is now known to be a heterogeneous multisystem disorder — in recognition of the significant impact that non-motor symptoms have on the quality of life of individuals affected by PD. It is widely acknowledged that physical exercise improves motor symptoms such as tremor, gait disturbances, and postural instability. However, the effect of exercise on non-motor symptoms in PD, especially cognitive function, is less clear.

The number of older people with and without PD that experience cognitive impairment is steadily increasing worldwide. It is associated not only with a substantial rise in healthcare costs, but also affects the quality of life of both patients and relatives or carers. Up to 57% of patients suffering from PD develop mild cognitive impairment within five years of their initial diagnosis, and if they survive more than ten years, the majority will eventually develop dementia. The underlying neurophysiological mechanisms for cognitive decline in PD are not completely understood, but an accumulation of amyloid plaques, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurotransmitter changes are all suggested to contribute.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted by investigators from the Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany, and the VasoActive Research Group, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. The studies reviewed included investigations of the effects of coordination exercise, resistance exercise, and aerobic exercise on domain-specific cognitive function in patients with PD. “Physical exercise is generally associated with increased cognitive function in older adults, but the effects in individuals suffering from PD are not known,” explained lead investigator Tim Stuckenschneider, MA.

The researchers identified relevant studies published before March 2018. There were 11 studies included with a combined total of over five hundred patients with PD with a disease severity from stages 1 to 4 on the Hoehn & Yahr scale, which is used to describe the symptom progression of PD. In four studies, positive effects of exercise on cognition (memory, executive function, and global cognitive function) were shown with no negative effect of exercise on any cognitive domain. Furthermore, disease severity was generally improved by exercise interventions.

The investigators concluded that all modes of exercise are associated with improved cognitive function in individuals with PD, however, no clear picture of which exercise mode is most effective emerged as they may influence cognitive function differently. Aerobic exercise tended to improve memory best, but different forms of exercises such as treadmill training or stationary bike training may have different effects, although both are considered aerobic exercise. Future studies are needed that directly compare the effects of different exercise modes, as the number of high-quality research projects is still limited.

“The potential of exercise to improve motor and non-motor symptoms is promising and may help to decelerate disease progression in individuals affected by PD,” observed Stuckenschneider. “Exercise therapy needs to be, and often already is, an essential part of therapy in individuals with PD. However, it is mostly used to treat motor symptoms. As part of a holistic therapy, the potential of exercise to maintain or improve non-motor symptoms such as cognitive function in individuals with PD needs to be acknowledged, and the most effective treatment options need to be defined. This will not only help practitioners to recommend specific exercise programs, but also ultimately improve the quality of life of the individual. Our work shows that ‘exercise is medicine’ and should routinely be recommended for people with PD to help combat both the physical and cognitive challenges of the disease.”

Article from ScienceDaily.com.

Read more

WPA Podcast

We recently launched a Podcast/Online Radio Show!

We will create a new episode every other week, and we’ll interview doctors, people with Parkinson’s, caregivers, therapists and more!

Listen to past issues here.

Read more

How Music Transforms a Man with PD

View the video HERE.

Before Parkinson’s disease changed his life, Larry Jennings loved to sing, dance and play his guitar. A decade after his diagnosis, the 73-year-old Oklahoma man is once again able to dance with his wife, thanks to the therapeutic power of music.

Jennings’ remarkable improvement was captured on video that has gone viral since his physical therapist Anicea Gunlock shared it on Facebook. The video at first shows Jennings struggling to walk around his home in Hartshorne, Okla., even with the help of a walker.

But when Gunlock started playing music on her cellphone, Jennings’ stride immediately improved. Within a couple of minutes, Jennings was able to let go of his walker and even lead Gunlock in a dance.

“I’d never seen anything like it,” Gunlock told CTVNews.ca in a phone interview Thursday.

Gunlock explained how, after her very first session with Jennings yielded no real improvements in his gait, she went home and started researching therapies for Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that can severely limit a patient’s movements.

She came across a study that used music to help patients improve their gait and decided to try it out with Jennings. Gunlock said she spent a considerable amount of time finding the right song – nothing too fast or too slow. She eventually settled on “Good Ole Boys Like Me,” a 1979 country song by Don Williams.

“When I went back a couple of days later to do it with Larry, it was just astounding,” Gunlock said. “Literally, it was instantaneous results.”

At one point in the video, Jennings is also seen singing along to “Good Ole Boys.” Since Jan. 5, the video has garnered more than nine million views.

“I’m really happy that it has been seen by so many people,” Jennings’ wife Kathy said, describing how everyone was “in tears” when her husband danced across the floor for the first time.

Now, “he can dance with whoever is around,” Kathy told CTVNews.ca. “We danced all over.”

She said caregivers often get discouraged as Parkinson’s disease continues to rob their loved ones of movement and speech. But she’s always been hopeful that her husband’s condition would improve.

“With his illness, you have to not give up,” she said. “We’re hoping that he’ll get even better.”

The power of music and dance

Music and dance have long been used to help Parkinson’s patients improve their movements and motor skills. A number of Canadian researchers have been involved in the global effort to better understand the therapeutic benefits of music for people like Jennings.

“Right now, nobody has any idea what is going on in the brain to make this happen,” said Jessica Grahn, a professor at Western University in London, Ont., who has been researching the way music and rhythm are processed in the brains of people with movement disorders like Parkinson’s.

She said there seems to be “great variability” in how Parkinson’s disease patients respond to music. Some, like Jennings, show an instant response, while others show little to no improvement.

“One of the things we’re really interested in is…what is it that makes music effective for any given patient?” Grahn told CTVNews.ca.

One of the working theories, she said, is that music enables the brain of a Parkinson’s patient to “bypass the faulty circuitry” caused by the disease. Many patients struggle with internally-generated movements — trying to get up and walk across the room, for example– only to realize that their brain is not receiving the signal. But reflexive movements, such as catching a ball thrown in their direction or dancing to music, seem to remain intact, Grahn said.

For Alice-Betty Rustin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years ago, music and dance programs have been more than just physical therapy.

“It’s also a great social (activity),” the 79-year-old Toronto-area resident said. She has seen many other people with Parkinson’s benefit greatly from dance programs, including one offered at Canada’s National Ballet School.

Gunlock, the physical therapist in Oklahoma, said she decided to share her video online in hopes it would help other Parkinson’s patients and the therapists who work with them.

“The response has been amazing,” she said.

View the video HERE.

Article from CTVNews.ca.

Read more

Study examines links of age, smoking, and physical activity with Parkinson’s

A new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology examines the links of age, smoking and physical activity as factors associated with Parkinson’s.

Previous studies have examined the link between physical activity and Parkinson’s, but the findings were inconclusive because of difficulties interpreting the results.

Researchers from the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and the Stanford University School of Medicine, US, assessed how physical activity and lifestyle factors impact the development of Parkinson’s.

They invited 7347 male veterans from the Veterans Exercise Testing Study (VETS) – an ongoing physical evaluation program – to take part in the study. The average age of those who took part was 59.

During the period of the study – which was 12 years on average – 94 participants or 1.3% of those studied had developed Parkinson’s.

Researchers found that high physical fitness, current smoking and younger age were associated with a lower incidence of Parkinson’s disease.

Commenting on the study, researchers said: “These findings parallel those of several epidemiological studies focusing on physical activity and the onset of Parkinson’s disease. Together, these observations provide strong support for recommending physical activity to diminish the risk of Parkinson’s disease.”

View the full study from the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology here.

Read more

Brian Grant Foundation launches free PD exercise program

The Brian Grant Foundation (BGF) has launched an online training program for physical therapists, personal trainers and group fitness instructors to develop safe and effective exercise classes for people living with Parkinson disease. The program is based on research from Oregon Health & Science University’s Balance Disorders Laboratory, which shows how to slow down the mobility problems associated with Parkinson’s using a variety of physical and cognitive activities.

Parkinson’s is a degenerative, neurological disorder that affects the cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical that helps initiate and control movement. Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s, studies suggest a consistent, vigorous fitness routine may improve motor symptoms common in people with Parkinson’s, such as rigidity, slow and small movements, and impaired balance and coordination, along with non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety and sleep difficulties.

“After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I looked for ways to combat the symptoms that I was experiencing while keeping my physical abilities as long as possible,” said Brian Grant, former NBA player and BGF founder. “I learned the importance of staying flexible, keeping good posture and practicing specific movements to address symptoms of the disease.”

Getting people into Parkinson’s-specific exercise programs in the early stages of diagnosis is fundamental because the sooner a person with the disease starts a workout routine, the better their chances of slowing the progression of symptoms. Any exercise is better than none, but ideally, workouts should be higher intensity and include a variety of activities that have been shown to help target the common symptoms of Parkinson’s. For example, lunges are helpful for improving small movements while yoga increases flexibility and coordination.

That’s why the Exercise for Parkinson’s Training for Professionals program is such a game-changer. Instructors will learn how to safely and effectively train people with Parkinson’s using activities that offer the greatest benefits for symptoms. And most importantly, they’ll empower their clients to stay motivated, healthy and social by giving them the chance to work out with others who have Parkinson’s disease.

BGF is recognized by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) as an approved continuing education provider. Exercise professionals certified through NASM or AFAA will receive continuing education credit for completing the online Exercise for Parkinson’s Training.

Brian Grant Foundation: Founded in 2010 by former NBA player Brian Grant, who is living with Parkinson’s, the Brian Grant Foundation provides tools to improve the well-being of people with the disease. BGF’s programs focus on exercise and nutrition to help people with Parkinson’s manage their symptoms, improve their overall health and prevent other serious illnesses.

Information from Brian Grant Foundation.

Read more

Training v. Exercise

As a physical therapist who treats many people with Parkinson disease (PD), I often see people drastically improve during their time in therapy. To some degree, it’s likely due to being more active overall. We all hear that exercise is medicine. When it comes to PD, research certainly supports that claim. Exercise helps nearly every system in your body to function better. Exercise helps you to feel better. It even helps people to feel more energized.

So, with evidence about benefits of exercise pouring in from a variety of studies and journals, what’s the best kind of exercise for PD? It may sound obvious, but the “best kind” of exercise you can do is the kind you will do regularly and safely. There is a great deal of research available regarding the neuroprotective benefits of exercise and the ways in which it could be helpful to people with PD. However, if it isn’t something you will stick with, and it isn’t something
in which you find value, then even the best-laid plans will be ineffective.

Since so many forms of exercise—from walking, to raking leaves, to boxing, Pilates, cycling, Yoga, Tai Chi and more—can be helpful for people with Parkinson’s, the bigger question is, “Are you TRAINING, or are you just working out?” I ask because there is a valuable distinction. Any exercise could be helpful; however, training is more involved.

Recently, at a PD event, I heard a speaker mention that he “trains to his impairments.” It really got me thinking. I’ve had conversations on this very topic with amateur and professional athletes. I’ve known athletes who say that on their off day, they like to exercise, for example going for a jog rather than training for his sport. This sets a nice distinction for me. Training is targeted. Training may be related to acquiring or improving a skill. “Training” likely has a performance or task-related goal (for example, improving consistency with a 3-point shot…or in more real-life terms, being able to walk 150 feet from the car to the grocery store independently). In other words, training is a way to improve on specific tasks. So for PD, should you train or should you exercise? I think both! Consider this:

  • Exercise can be done to stay active, feel good, and to maintain health.
  • Training could be a way to minimize the impact of symptoms in activities of daily living or to maximize function.

In light of this new way of looking at things, I’d like to issue a challenge. Take some time to think about what physical tasks you would like to improve upon. Think about who could help you with them. Then, come up with a training plan to address those items. If you need help, consider asking an exercise group leader or your neighborhood physical therapist. Train hard to minimize your “PD Problem List,” and exercise for fun and for activity!

Here’s another challenge for you: Share your training goals with someone else, and keep them updated about the results. Along those lines, next time I will focus on improving consistency. Until then, keep up the hard work!

 

Article from Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society.

Read more

How to Travel (with greater ease) with Parkinson’s

For the average person, traveling is a minor frustration. Security lines, delays, crowded airports and cramped and long lines at snack shops and restaurants are par for the course. However, if you’re living with Parkinson’s, those things aren’t just frustrations, they can be so troublesome and aggravating to deal with that you choose to stay at home.

That’s why we decided to reach out to our Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassadors, many of whom are avid travelers, to get their best tips for traveling with Parkinson’s. Armed with this information, when you get out and about this summer, we hope you’ll do so with greater ease.

Medication Management

Managing medications topped nearly everyone’s list. Here are a few suggestions our expert travelers offered.

Bring more than you need. (And always know how to get more in a pinch.) When you’re headed out for a long trip, it’s easy to miscalculate; so, bring extra.

Put your medications in more than one location. This way if something happens with your luggage or you forget a backpack somewhere, you’re covered. Ideally, keep them in your carry-on bags or on you if possible.

Set timers or alarms on your phone so you’re always prompted to take them, even if you’re caught up in another activity.

If you’re going to be in multiple time zones, plan a consistent schedule for taking your medication. Your body doesn’t care that you started in Boston and ended up in LA – it wants Sinemet every three hours.

Sometimes travel days will stretch on and on, far beyond a typical day at home. If your awake time demands it, take an extra dose of something and make sure you account for those extra doses when packing your meds.

If you’re traveling with a companion or care partner, have them carry an extra dose of your medications.

Always carry a complete list of medications with you. And be ready to show them if asked.

Make sure at least one set of your prescriptions are in Rx bottles with labels. If someone in authority questions the contents of your pill bags or bottles and you can’t prove what the medication is, they can take them if they must.

If you have any liquid medications (e.g., the gel form of carbidopa/levodopa for the Duopa pump that’s approved in the US), you’ll need a letter from your doctor. Although you’re allowed to travel with medications greater than the three-ounce limit specified by the Transportation Safety Administration, those medications will be subject to additional scrutiny, and you’ll need the documentation from your doctor as part of that process. Be sure to keep these medications with you in your carry on. Do not put them in your checked luggage.

Planning

Consider traveling by train rather than getting trapped in those tiny airplane seats. Trains have plenty of legroom, there’s no TSA and you get an amazing view.

When buying plane, train or bus tickets, be sure to allow enough time between legs if you have to have a layover so you have the time you need—and more—to get to your next gate.

Travel when you’re at your best. For example, if you feel best in the morning because that’s when your medications offer you the best relief from symptoms, consider flying or traveling at that time.

Make a list of everything you could possibly need for your trip and save it. You might have different lists for bike rides, road trips, weekend getaways, international trips, work trips and long-term travel. Update your lists on your computer each time you travel so they’re ready to print out when you prepare for your next adventure.

Check the weather! If you need to pack a few days before you leave, and you pack for the current weather report, you could get stuck with the wrong clothes. Be sure to check again the day before you leave since weather reports change quickly, and you may need to adjust what you pack. Many people living with Parkinson’s don’t do that well in the heat or in the cold. Not having the correct clothing can be a real problem.

Put all of your paperwork in an easy to access location. This might be in the top pocket or your backpack or maybe the pocket of your pants or jacket.

Consider including in your paperwork an emergency contact list with information about your neurologist, primary care physician and other healthcare providers as well as the names and contact information of family members or other people who should be contacted in case of emergency.

If you tend to run late, avoid stress by getting to the airport extra early. Everything takes longer than you expect, so think through the steps you’ll need to take for airport security, airline boarding, baggage handling, lines at the bathroom, snack shopping, etc.

If you’re going to be out of town for a while, take a quick picture of where you parked or make a note in your phone in case you forget exactly where you left your car when you return.

Read up on flying with a disability so you know what’s available to you.

Getting Around

Carry a cane or a walking stick, even if you think you don’t need it. Stress often makes Parkinson’s symptoms worse, and travel is stressful. Even if you don’t need it, it’s a warning sign to others to not crowd you or run over you in the terminal or on the street.

Arrange for a wheelchair to get through the airport. This can help a lot in crowds or in unfamiliar places.

If you need to use a handicap bathroom, use them when you see them.

Take advantage of TSA Pre✓® and Clear.

If you need help, ask for it. If help is offered, take it. This includes having someone carry your bags, taking advantage of extra time allowed for boarding, having someone get food and bringing it to you, etc.

Take a disposable plastic grocery bag with you so you can open it up and sit on it on the plane. When you want to get out of your chair, the plastic reduces friction which makes it much easier to get out of your chair.

Practice getting in and out of your airplane seat (or any seat) before you go. One of our Ambassadors Amy Carlson made this great video to show you how to do it with greater ease.

Food & Drink

Have your food items at the ready since you need to separate them when going through security.

Fill your water bottle after security and between flights.

Bring more snacks than you think you’ll need on the plane in case you get stuck, delayed and re-routed and suddenly your two-hour flight turns into a six hour one.

Communication

Remember that communication is on the person with Parkinson’s. As Kathleen Kiddo says, “Nobody can read our cue cards so it’s our job to let them know what’s up.”

Consider wearing or traveling with a card that says something like, “I’ve got Parkinson’s and I need a bit more time and space. Thank you.

Some people with Parkinson’s carry this card.

I'm not intoxicated, I have Parkinson's

Or this card from the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Sleep and Rest

Slow down and don’t overschedule your days. Choose the activities that are most important to you rather than trying to rush through to hit every possible spot. You will have the most enjoyable time if you learn how to conserve energy so that you have it when it matters most.

Try to time your travel so that you have plenty of time to rest once you arrive at your destination. For example, if you’re traveling to Europe, consider going a day early so you have time to get your body clock adjusted.

If you travel somewhere that has a significant time change, take a one to two-hour nap when you arrive. Go out for dinner and then go to bed at what would be a normal time for the part of the world you’re in. Immediately try to assimilate into the routine of your new environment.

Bring a sleep mask and earplugs. Many people with Parkinson’s have difficulty sleeping. Keeping a sleep mask and a pair of soft foam earplugs nearby can help you get some rest when you’re traveling. You might also consider bringing an inflatable neck pillow for additional comfort.

Clothes

Pack light and feel secure knowing that, unless you’re traveling to a remote area, you’ll be able to pick up anything you need once you reach your destination.

Travel in comfortable clothing that’s easy to get on and off in bathrooms. Slip-on shoes or sandals, shoes that don’t require you to lean over to take them off, are great for airports. And keep an extra pair of socks in your carry on for cold planes.

Wear knee-high compression socks for road trips and air travel. They keep the blood flowing and reduce swelling.

Bring a change of clothes in your carry on bag just in case.

Exercise

Consider bringing a jump rope. It travels well and it offers a great workout. It’s an aerobic and motor challenge, a great exercise for travel.

Whether in a car or on a plane or train, take time to get up and stretch every 30-45 minutes.

As much as possible, try to continue to exercise and do the things that are part of your daily routine for living well while you’re on the road. It can be a challenge when you’re in a different place and don’t have access to the same routine or equipment, but veering too far off schedule can create problems both when you’re traveling and when you arrive home. Adjust as needed, but continue to do the activities that make you feel well.

Miscellaneous

Use a label maker to put your name and cell number on loose objects, like canes.

If you don’t have a handicap placard, get one.

While you’re exploring new areas, consider checking out the local Parkinson’s offerings.  Does the place you’re visiting offer something in the way of support for people living with Parkinson’s that you don’t have where you live? If not, do they need your skills? Could you bring something to share with the community you’re visiting?

Don’t be afraid of letting your travel companion(s) know that you’re too tired to do certain activities and you just need time to rest.

If you have DBS, bring the Medtronic device wallet card (or whatever company made yours). You may be asked for it. It’s best to not try and explain DBS to security people.  Just say you have a “medical device” or even just say you have a pacemaker as that’s something they hear all the time. Remember, you can’t go through the old style security check machines or let them use wands to check you. Be prepared for a pat down.

Pay for luxuries and conveniences while traveling if you can. They’re designed to make your life easier and if you ever need that, it’s when you’re traveling.

If at all possible, travel with others who get you so well that they know when you need help and when to back off. They know when you need to rest and when you’re ready to go. And they, more than anything, can gracefully manage the unpredictability of Parkinson’s and not let it get in the way of a fabulous trip.

Maintain a sense of humor. Travel is difficult even under the easiest of circumstances. When something goes wrong, and it almost always does, the way you handle it will have a big impact on your physical and emotional well-being. Eventually, you’ll get where you need to go; so, in the meantime, have a good laugh about it.

Finally, while there’s a lot that happens when you travel that you can’t control, you can control your experience. Don’t let Parkinson’s stop you from traveling. As Jill Ater says, “Most people in the word are incredibly understanding and patient. If you like to travel, then it’s part of your living fully with Parkinson’s.”

 

Article from Davis Phinney Foundation.

Read more

Exercise Improves Cognition in Parkinson’s Disease

It’s well known that exercise invigorates both body and mind. Exercise studies in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have shown improved mobility and quality of life, and possibly slower rate of disease progression. But what can exercise do for memory and thinking (cognition), which can be affected to different degrees at different points in the course of Parkinson’s?

Recently, a group of researchers answered that question by reviewing exercise and cognition studies conducted in people with Parkinson’s over the past 10 years. They confirmed the benefit of exercise on cognitive function in people living with PD.

For this study, researchers analyzed nine randomized controlled trials from several countries. The participants of these trials were, on average, 60 to 74 years old, diagnosed with Parkinson’s six years prior and living with mild to moderate disease. Exercise programs varied in length, number and duration of sessions, and included studies with a treadmill, stationary bicycle, stretching and strengthening (with and without a Wii Fit exercise program), tai chi and tango. Volunteers’ cognitive function was tested throughout each study to see if the exercise had an effect.

Of the specific exercise programs reviewed, tango, stretching and strengthening with a cognitive component (a Wii Fit exercise program), and treadmill training had benefits on cognition. The latter — walking at a person’s preferred speed or slightly slower for about an hour three times a week for 24 weeks — boosted cognitive function more than the other two exercise programs.

More support for exercise, and treadmill exercise in particular. But this doesn’t mean that treadmill walking is the best exercise for Parkinson’s. Many questions remain about the optimal type, amount and intensity of exercise to keep cognitive (and other) symptoms at bay. Larger, well-designed studies can help provide answers and clarify effects.

Multiple forms of exercise for many symptoms are currently being investigated. Register for Fox Trial Finder to match with recruiting trials. As researchers work to define the ideal exercise for your Parkinson’s, continue regular exercise that you enjoy.

Speak with your physician and physical therapist to design a program that meets your needs and visit our website to learn more.

 

Article from Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Read more

Fly Fishing Clinic

Fly fishing is a great activity that can help improve balance, coordination and increase mobility… all important for someone with Parkinson disease!

Join us for a free fly fishing clinic on May 23 in Palmyra, WI to learn about fly fishing, equipment, casting and aquatic entomology. Then, try your hand at fly fishing for trout. Jonathan Hill, our lead instructor, was a co-facilitator of the PD Support Group in Stoughton, WI. He was diagnosed with PD in 2014, and is a life member of Trout Unlimited.

No fishing license is required. Trout Unlimited will provide all equipment. Our instructors will help you get a fly rod rigged and ready to go. Any fish caught must be released – Instructors will assist with this. If you wish to take some fish home, you can buy cleaned and processed fish at the Rushing Waters Retail Store.

We will hold the clinic RAIN OR SHINE. Please be prepared with hat or sunglasses, bug spray, sunblock, and a chair if you would like to sit.

Limited to 20 participants. Registration Required. Register HERE or call 414-312-6990.

Special Thanks to Trout Unlimited.

Fly Fishing Clinic
May 23, 2018 | 9:00am-1:00pm
Rushing Waters Fisheries Trout Farm | Palmyra, WI
FREE | Picnic Lunch Provided.

Read more