A startling new study released December 22, 2016 has made some amazing findings about a new “treatment” that will clearly help people who are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
You can read more about it, here. But this time, it’s not an announcement about a new blockbuster drug that will cost an arm and a leg. Rather, it’s something that doesn’t cost a dime:
EXERCISE.
Some people say that exercise is THE best medicine, but I wouldn’t go that far. Still, when it comes to PD, I think these scientists have made an important finding and here’s why…
In the study, which was published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, scientists analyzed combined data from over 100 clinical studies during the last 30 years on the impact that exercise has on PD patients. And basically, they found that moderate exercise (breaking into a mild sweat) has lasting benefits. It helps to maintain and build muscle mass, improves mood (especially important as PD attacks dopamine production in the brain) and helps to protect people from falls with fewer issues with balance.
Is This THE Parkinson’s Answer?
No, it’s not a cure, no exercise doesn’t slow the progression of PD, and yes, people will still have a host of significant issues. But, moderate exercise, done on a consistent basis has been shown to have lasting, positive effects.
At the University of Florida, the Chairman of Neurology Dr. Mike Okun, who also serves as the medical director of the Parkinson’s Foundation, says that he nearly always recommends exercise to his Parkinson’s patients. In the early days of his career, he and his colleagues used to passively suggest exercise, but now, they believe in its benefits.
If you are living with Parkinson’s disease and or are a caregiver, educate yourselves and talk to your doctors about an exercise plan that will work for you to improve your strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility. Then try it and see how you feel.
