Experts say Parkinson's disease can be battled through exercise. Simple movements and day-to-day activities may be a challenge for people who suffer from this condition. However, a new study says that exercise and physical activity can improve balance or equilibrium, mobility and quality of life for patients with the condition.
Parkinson's disease is a common neurological degenerative disease that often affects older adults. However, many young people of today are diagnosed with it. As a matter of fact, according to Parkinson's Foundation, around one million people in the United States suffer from Parkinson's and 60,000 people are being diagnosed with the disease every year.
It is a common neurological disorder of the nervous system characterized by tremor, slow and imprecise movement, and tremor rigidity affecting middle-aged persons to older adults. Mostly, the basal ganglion is the part of the brain affected by this condition. Also, it is marked by a deficiency in the neurotransmitter, dopamine.
According to the National Parkinson's Foundation, exercise is not just a need for people to have a healthy lifestyle because for people with Parkinson's disease, it is vital and crucial for maintaining balance in daily living.
A 75-year old athlete who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in his sixties turned to exercise to battle the disease and he was successful to curb the effects of the disease on his body. Gary Sobel's life changed since he started exercising and now, he wants to help others as well.
"Walking was a problem because I would trip and fall. Getting in and out of a car - I couldn't drive anymore because my reflexes were too slow. I didn't trust myself if I had to make a sudden stop, you're just too slow in your movement," he told VOA News.
"This is a degenerative disease that can get nasty. I'm winning the battle right now, and I don't know how long I can continue winning the battle, but I'll do what I can," he added.
A study in 2012 from the University of Oregon discovered that patients with Parkinson's who underwent a six-month long tai chi for twice weekly, had improved balance and control over their movements. Also, they had lower risk for falls than others who did not do any form of exercise.
Exercise is the key solution not only for Parkinson's but also other diseases such as cardiovascular and musculoskeletal problems.
