Exercise is good for everyone but staying active can be even more beneficial for people with Parkinson's Disease.
PD, as it is often called, is a neurological disorder caused by a loss of dopamine in the brain. While there are drugs that can help treat Parkinson's by temporarily replenishing or imitating dopamine, exercise also produces dopamine and may help reduce Parkinson's symptoms and slow the disease process, according to researchers.
Recently, members of the Tri-Cities Parkinson's Support Group learned first-hand about the benefits of exercise by trying out a new sport - fencing.
Peggy Mutch and Frank Mattman put on the gear, tried out the stance and made a lunge or two at each other while brandishing sabres.
"It's something I'd like to do," Mattman said after he tried out the sport coached by two members of Port Moody's Kyle Centre Fencing Club, Mal Harkness and Aaron Laing. He said the workout was intense and he got hot under the mask and jacket, but he didn't lose his balance, which can be an issue with people suffering from Parkinson's.
Peggy Mutch, who organized the training, said she enjoyed the experienced, too.
"It's much harder than it looks. There's a lot of commands to remember," Mutch said.
But Mutch said it's important for people to try different exercises to find out which ones they like. During a recent support group meeting, she read an article written by several Parkinson's researchers extolling the virtues of exercises for people with PD. The article notes that exercise improves the overall quality of life, has beneficial effects on cognitive scores and is associated with lower mortality rates.
Even when gait and balance become an issue, people can do upper body exercises while seated for the same beneficial effects, the article states.
Peggy Bareham, who facilitates the local PD support group, also encourages people to find the exercise they like and stick with it. She said the fencing event might inspire someone in the group of 40 to 50 people to try something new. Dancing is also recommended.
She encourages the group to sing and songs are sung during meetings. The group also gets together to talk about some of their issues, have tea and coffee and share a snack. It meets the third Monday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon at Eagle Ridge United Church, 2813 Glen Drive. For more information, call her at 604-461-9705.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE FAST FACTS
April is Parkinson's Month.
11,000 British Columbians live with Parkinson's Disease, which is caused by a loss of dopamine in the brain.
Symptoms include tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, postural instability, speech difficulty, reduced facial expression.
The Parkinson Society of British Columbia offers resources and materials; contact: [email protected].
