The Importance of Exercising with Parkinson’s Disease

Exercise is a vital part of managing Parkinson’s disease.

April is recognized as Parkinson’s Awareness Month. A time to learn more about one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders. Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that affects the nervous system and gets worse over time. Since it affects the nervous system, body movement is greatly affected as the disease progresses. It is important to note that the disease currently has no cure; however, medication can be used to relieve symptoms.

The disease is caused when nerve cells in the brain break down or die. These cells that die are the cells that produce dopamine, which acts as a messenger throughout the body. Thus, when there is less dopamine being released to the body, it can lead to irregular brain activity, which then leads to movement problems.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Symptoms can be different for everyone and change as the disease worsens. During the beginning stages, symptoms are mild, so much so that you may not even notice them. They will typically start on one side of the body before affecting both sides. Symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Slowed movement
• Rigid muscles
• Poor balance
• Loss of automatic movements
• Speech challenges
• Writing changes
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Constipation
• Sleep problems

Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease

Studies have shown that regular exercise can help maintain balance, mobility, and the ability to perform ADLs (activities of daily living). Thus, regular exercise can help ease Parkinson’s symptoms and can slow down the progression of the disease. Other health benefits include:

• Building and maintaining muscle strength
• Improving coordintation
• Increasing flexibility and range of motion
• Improving cardiovascular fitness
• Boosting the effectiveness of levodopa (a common medication for treating the disease)
• Improving cognitive functioning
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Preventing constipation
• Improving quality of sleep

You don’t need to do vigorous exercise to help relieve your symptoms. The best exercises are fun, slightly challenging, and safe. Strive for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly. This can include walking, swimming, stationary bikes, strength training, tai chi, yoga, and more.

Local Resources

Cone Health offers a variety of classes for those with Parkinson’s. They include a Power of Parkinson’s Community Group, a Parkinson’s Care Partners Group, and an Atypical Parkinsonian Group.

The YMCA of Greensboro offers in-person and virtual cycling courses for those with Parkinson’s.

Griswold Can Help

If you are living with Parkinson’s in Greensboro or the surrounding area, we can help. Whether it’s giving you a break with our respite care or all day and night with around-the-clock care. We are here to support you. We can come to your home or support you inside another facility. Our excellent Caregivers provide personal care, homemaking, and companionship to help you and your family live assured. Call today to learn more!