exercise

How Music Transforms a Man with PD

November 1, 2018 Change, Exercise, Life

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.

Brian Grant Foundation launches free PD exercise program

September 1, 2018 Education, Exercise, Life

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.

Training v. Exercise

August 1, 2018 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.

Driving Dilemmas: Risk vs. Independence

July 1, 2018 Caregivers, Life

Driving a car is a symbol of independence and competence and is closely tied to an individual’s identity. It also represents freedom and control and allows older adults to gain easy access to social connections, health care, shopping, activities and even employment. At some point, however, it is predictable that driving skills will deteriorate and individuals will lose the ability to safely operate a vehicle. Even though age alone does not determine when a person needs to stop driving, the decision must be balanced with personal and public safety. Driving beyond one’s ability brings an increased safety risk or even life-threatening situations to all members of society. Statistics show that older drivers are more likely than others to receive traffic citations for failing to yield, making improper left turns, and running red lights or stop signs, which are all indications of a decrease in driving skills. Understandably, dealing with impaired older drivers is a delicate issue.

The road to driving cessation is anything but smooth. Each year, hundreds of thousands of older drivers across the country must face the end of their driving years and become transportation dependent. Unfortunately, finding other means of transportation has not noticeably improved in recent years, leading to a reluctance among older drivers to give up driving privileges and of families to remove the car keys. The primary issue facing older drivers is how to adapt to changes in driving performance while maintaining necessary mobility. Despite being a complicated issue, this process can be more successful when there is a partnership between the physician, older driver, family or caregiver.

Dramatic headlines like these have ignited national media debates and triggered the pressing need for more testing and evaluation of elderly drivers, especially with the swell of the Baby Boomer generation: “Family of four killed by an 80-year-old man driving the wrong way on Highway 169. 86-year-old driver killed 10 people when his vehicle plowed through a farmers’ market in southern California. 93-year-old man crashed his car into a Wal-Mart store, sending six people to the hospital and injuring a 1-year-old child.”

According to the Hartford Insurance Corporation, statistics of older drivers show that after age 75, there is a higher risk of being involved in a collision for every mile driven. The rate of risk is nearly equal to the risk of younger drivers ages 16 to 24. The rate of fatalities increases slightly after age 65 and significantly after age 75. Although older persons with health issues can be satisfactory drivers, they have a higher likelihood of injury or death in an accident.

Undoubtedly, an older adult’s sense of independence vs. driving risk equals a very sensitive and emotionally charged topic. Older adults may agree with the decline of their driving ability, yet feel a sense of loss, blame others, attempt to minimize and justify, and ultimately may feel depressed at the thought of giving up driving privileges. Driving is an earned privilege and in order to continue to drive safely, guidelines and regulations must be in place to evaluate and support older drivers.

Dementia and Driving Cessation

Alzheimer’s disease and driving safety is of particular concern to society. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in later life and is a progressive and degenerative brain disease. In the process of driving, different regions of the brain cooperate to receive sensory information through vision and hearing, and a series of decisions are made instantly to successfully navigate. The progression of AD can be unpredictable and affect judgment, reasoning, reaction time and problem-solving. For those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is not a matter of if retirement from driving will be necessary, but when. Is it any wonder that driving safety is compromised when changes are occurring in the brain? Where dementia is concerned, driving retirement is an inevitable endpoint for which active communication and planning among drivers, family, and health professionals are essential.

Current statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association indicate that 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and this number is expected to rise to 11-16 million by the year 2050. Many people in the very early stages of Alzheimer’s can continue to drive; however, they are at an increased risk and driving skills will predictably worsen over time. The Alzheimer’s Association’s position on driving and dementia supports a state licensing procedure that allows for added reporting by key individuals coupled with a fair, knowledgeable, medical review process.

Overall, the assessment of driving fitness in aging individuals, and especially those with dementia, is not clear cut and remains an emerging and evolving field today.

Physician’s Role in Driving Cessation

While most older drivers are safe, this population is more prone to vehicle accidents due to decreased senses, chronic illness and medication-related issues. The three primary functions that are necessary for driving and need to be evaluated are: vision, perception, and motor function. As the number of older drivers rises, patients and their families will increasingly turn to the physicians for guidance on safe driving. This partnership seems to be a key to more effective decision-making and the opinions of doctors vs. family are often valued by older drivers. Physicians are in a forefront position to address physical, sensory and cognitive changes in their aging patients. They can also help patients maintain mobility through proper counseling and referrals to driver evaluation programs. This referral may avoid unnecessary conflict when the doctor, family members or caregivers, and older drivers have differing opinions. (It should be noted that driver evaluation programs are usually not covered by insurance and may require an out-of-pocket cost.)

Not all doctors agree that they are the best source for making final decisions about driving. Physicians may not be able to detect driving problems based on office visits and physical examinations alone. Family members should work with doctors and share observations about driving behavior and health issues to help older adults limit their driving or stop driving altogether. Ultimately, counseling for driving retirement and identifying alternative methods of transportation should be discussed early on in the care process, prior to a crisis. Each state has an Area Agency on Aging program that can be contacted for information, and referrals can be made to a social worker or community agency that provides transportation services.

Resources do exist to help physicians assess older adults with memory impairments, weigh the legal and ethical responsibilities, broach the topic of driving retirement and move toward workable plans. The Hartford Insurance Corporation, for example, offers two free publications that make excellent patient handouts: At the Crossroads: A Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia and Driving and We Need to Talk: Family Conversations with Older Drivers.

These resources reveal warning signs and offer practical tips, sound advice, communication starters, and planning forms. Other resources can be found through the Alzheimer’s Association. Physicians can also refer to the laws and reporting requirements for unsafe drivers in their state and work proactively with patients and their families or caregivers to achieve driving retirement before serious problems occur. Ultimately, assessing and counseling patients about their fitness to drive should be part of the medical practice for all patients as they age and face health changes.

Driver’s Role in Driving Cessation

“How will you know when it is time to stop driving?” was a question posed to older adults in a research study. Responses included “When the stress level from my driving gets high enough, I’ll probably throw my keys away” and “When you scare the living daylights out of yourself, that’s when it’s time to stop.” These responses are clues to a lack of insight and regard for the social responsibility of holding a driver’s license and the critical need for education, evaluation and planning.

Realizing one can no longer drive can lead to social isolation and a loss of personal or spousal independence, self-sufficiency, and even employment. In general, older drivers want to decide for themselves when to quit, a decision that often stems from the progression of medical conditions that affect vision, physical abilities, perceptions and, consequently, driving skills. There are many things that an older adult can do to be a safe driver and to participate in his or her own driving cessation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that older adults:

Exercise regularly to increase strength and flexibility.
Limit driving only to daytime, low traffic, short radius, clear weather
Plan the safest route before driving and find well-lit streets, intersections with left turn arrows, and easy parking.
Ask the doctor or pharmacist to review medicines—both prescription and over-the counter—to reduce side effects and interactions.
Have eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Wear glasses and corrective lenses as required.
Preplan and consider alternative sources and costs for transportation and volunteer to be a passenger

Family’s or Caregiver’s Role in Driving Cessation

Initially, it may seem cruel to take an older person’s driving privilege away; however, genuine concern for older drivers means much more than simply crossing fingers in hopes that they will be safe behind the wheel. Families need to be vigilant about observing the driving behavior of older family members. One key question to be answered that gives rise to driving concerns is “Would you feel safe riding along with your older parent driving or having your child ride along with your parent?” If the answer is “no,” then the issue needs to be addressed openly and in a spirit of love and support. Taking an elder’s driving privileges away is not an easy decision and may need to be done in gradual steps. Offering rides, enlisting a volunteer driver program, experiencing public transportation together, encouraging vehicle storage during winter months, utilizing driver evaluation programs and other creative options, short of removing the keys, can be possible solutions during this time of transition.

Driving safety should be discussed long before driving becomes a problem. According to the Hartford Insurance survey, car accidents, near misses, dents in the vehicle and health changes all provide the chance to talk about driving skills. Early, occasional and honest conversations establish a pattern of open dialogue and can reinforce driving safety issues. Appealing to the love of children or grandchildren can instill the thought that their inability to drive safely could lead to the loss of an innocent life. Family members or caregivers can also form a united front with doctors and friends to help older drivers make the best driving decisions. If evaluations and suggestions have been made and no amount of rational discussion has convinced the senior to cease driving, then an anonymous report can be made to the Department of Motor Vehicles in each state.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, strategies that may lead to driving cessation when less drastic measures fail include:

Family meetings to discuss issues and concerns
Disabling or removing the car
Filing down the keys
Placing an “Expired” sticker over the driver’s license
Cancelling the vehicle registration
Preventing the older driver from renewing his or her driver’s license
Speaking with the driver’s doctor to write a prescription not to drive, or to schedule a formal driving assessment

Finally, it is suggested that family members learn about the warning signs of driving problems, assess independence vs. the public safety, observe the older driver behind the wheel or ride along, discuss concerns with a physician, and explore alternative transportation options. Solutions There are a multitude of solutions and recommendations that can be made in support of older drivers. Public education and awareness is at the forefront. An educational program that includes both classroom and on the road instruction can improve knowledge and enhance driving skills.

The AAA Foundation provides several safe driving Web sites with tools for seniors and their loved ones to assess the ability to continue driving safely. These include AAAseniors.com and seniordrivers.org. They also sponsor a series of Senior Driver Expos around the country where seniors and their loved ones can learn about senior driving and mobility challenges and have a hands-on opportunity to sample AAA’s suite of research-based senior driver resources. Information on the Expos is available at aaaseniors.com/seniordriverexpo.

AARP offers an excellent driver safety program that addresses defensive driving and age-related changes, and provides tools to help judge driving fitness. Expanding this program or even requiring participation seems to be a viable entry point for tackling the challenges of driving with the aging population.

CarFit is an educational program that helps older adults check how well their personal vehicles “fit” them and if the safety features are compatible with their physical characteristics. This includes height of the car seat, mirrors, head restraints, seat belts, and proper access to the pedals. CarFit events are scheduled throughout the country and a team of trained technicians and/or health professionals work with each participant to ensure their cars are properly adjusted for their comfort and safety.

Modification of driving policies to extend periods of safe driving is another solution. Older drivers nearing the end of their safe driving years could ‘retire’ from driving gradually, rather than ‘give up’ the driver’s license. An older adult can be encouraged to relinquish the driver’s license and be issued a photo identification card at the local driver’s bureau.

The Alzheimer’s Association proposes several driving assessment and evaluation options. Among them are a vision screening by an optometrist, cognitive performance testing (CPT) by an occupational therapist, motor function screening by a physical or occupational therapist, and a behind the wheel assessment by a driver rehabilitation specialist. Poor performances on these types of tests have been correlated with poor driving outcomes in older adults, especially those with dementia. Requiring a driving test after a certain age to include both a written test and a road test may be an option considered by each state. Finally, continued input and guidance will be necessary from AARP, state licensing programs, transportation planners, and policymakers to meet the needs of our aging driving population.

It is appropriate to regard driving as an earned privilege and independent skill that is subject to change in later life. In general, having an attitude of constant adjustment until an older individual has to face the actual moment of driving cessation seems to be a positive approach. Without recognizing the magnitude of this transition, improving the quality of life in old age will be compromised. Keeping our nation’s roads safe while supporting older drivers is a notable goal to set now and for the future.

Article from Today’s Caregiver.

WPA on The Morning Blend

June 5, 2018 Awareness, Community Outreach, Education, Life

Jeremy Otte, our director of outreach & education, and board member Ron Mohorek were on the The Morning Blend on TMJ4 this morning talking about Parkinson’s and our upcoming Symposium!

Thanks to Amada Senior Care for including us!

Maximize your Mobility with Fall Prevention

April 1, 2018 Caregivers, Exercise, Life

https://vimeo.com/147745733

Video from Davis Phinney Foundation.

Exercise Improves Cognition in Parkinson’s Disease

April 1, 2018 Exercise, Life, Research

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.

Fly Fishing Clinic

April 1, 2018 Community Outreach, Exercise, Life

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.

Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain

January 1, 2018 Exercise, Life, Support Groups

As we grow older we suffer a decline in mental and physical fitness, which can be made worse by conditions like Parkinson’s disease. A new study, published in the open-access journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, shows that older people who routinely partake in physical exercise can reverse the signs of aging in the brain, and dancing has the most profound effect.

“Exercise has the beneficial effect of slowing down or even counteracting age-related decline in mental and physical capacity,” says Dr Kathrin Rehfeld, lead author of the study, based at the German center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany. “In this study, we show that two different types of physical exercise (dancing and endurance training) both increase the area of the brain that declines with age. In comparison, it was only dancing that lead to noticeable behavioral changes in terms of improved balance.”

Elderly volunteers, with an average age of 68, were recruited to the study and assigned either an eighteen-month weekly course of learning dance routines, or endurance and flexibility training. Both groups showed an increase in the hippocampus region of the brain. This is important because this area can be prone to age-related decline and is affected by diseases like Alzheimer’s. It also plays a key role in memory and learning, as well as keeping one’s balance.

While previous research has shown that physical exercise can combat age-related brain decline, it is not known if one type of exercise can be better than another. To assess this, the exercise routines given to the volunteers differed. The traditional fitness training program conducted mainly repetitive exercises, such as cycling or Nordic walking, but the dance group were challenged with something new each week.

Dr Rehfeld explains, “We tried to provide our seniors in the dance group with constantly changing dance routines of different genres (Jazz, Square, Latin-American and Line Dance). Steps, arm-patterns, formations, speed and rhythms were changed every second week to keep them in a constant learning process. The most challenging aspect for them was to recall the routines under the pressure of time and without any cues from the instructor.”

These extra challenges are thought to account for the noticeable difference in balance displayed by those participants in dancing group. Dr Rehfeld and her colleagues are building on this research to trial new fitness programs that have the potential of maximizing anti-aging effects on the brain.

“Right now, we are evaluating a new system called “Jymmin” (jamming and gymnastic). This is a sensor-based system which generates sounds (melodies, rhythm) based on physical activity. We know that dementia patients react strongly when listening to music. We want to combine the promising aspects of physical activity and active music making in a feasibility study with dementia patients.”

Dr Rehfeld concludes with advice that could get us up out of our seats and dancing to our favorite beat.

“I believe that everybody would like to live an independent and healthy life, for as long as possible. Physical activity is one of the lifestyle factors that can contribute to this, counteracting several risk factors and slowing down age-related decline. I think dancing is a powerful tool to set new challenges for body and mind, especially in older age.”

This study falls into a broader collection of research investigating the cognitive and neural effects of physical and cognitive activity across the lifespan.

Article from MedicalXpress.

Gifting Appreciated Stock to WPA

December 1, 2017 Education, Exercise

A gift of stock to Wisconsin Parkinson Association may make sense for you. It’s a simple process that can have a big impact on WPA.

Why gift stock?
You can gift appreciated stock held over one year and receive a charitable deduction for tax purposes.

What is the procedure to gift stock?
You need to transfer your stock in writing. The date the stock is transferred is the date used for the calculation of your charitable contribution. For stocks, the average of the High and the Low Trading Price for the day is used.

The brokerage account WPA uses for appreciated stock is at the investment firm RBC Wealth Management. Please contact RBC (information below) to inform them that you will be transferring stock to Wisconsin Parkinson Association.

Then, contact your broker about transferring your stock to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association. Your broker will advise what documentation they require.

It is RBC’s policy to sell all securities when they are received. They will prepare a letter for you and WPA that shows the value of your charitable contribution for tax purposes.

Thank you for your generosity!

DTC #0235 Capital Markets
Account # 315-66414
Account Name: Wisconsin Parkinson Association

RBC Wealth Management
Bob Chernow – 414-347-7089
Linda Cowan – 414-347-7088
Jeanne Watson – 414-347-7087
Fax – 414-347-7670

How Music Transforms a Man with PD

Brian Grant Foundation launches free PD exercise program

Training v. Exercise

Driving Dilemmas: Risk vs. Independence

WPA on The Morning Blend

Maximize your Mobility with Fall Prevention

Exercise Improves Cognition in Parkinson’s Disease

Fly Fishing Clinic

Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain

Gifting Appreciated Stock to WPA

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Gifting Appreciated Stock to WPA