Do you know all the options to make walking safer for PwP?

Parkinson’s Community Los Angeles - PCLA.org - June 1, 2024

Did you know that individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) have twice the risk of falling compared to those without the condition? Numerous motor and non-motor symptoms associated with the disease can affect balance and gait, thereby heightening the risk of falls, particularly as the disease advances. Fortunately, there are numerous excellent walking aid options available to enhance both ease and safety in mobility. 

1) Walking Sticks 

They can help increase confidence in mobility by offering an additional point of contact with the ground, enhancing stability, and reducing fatigue. 

2) Canes 

The use of a cane, specifically a single-point cane or laser cane, can be a game changer for many living with PD. Both are lightweight, easy to handle, and adaptable to various settings, making them practical for everyday use. 

Single-Point Cane 

Single-point canes provide stability and balance, helping to mitigate common Parkinson’s symptoms like shuffling gait and stiffness. 

By offering an additional point of contact with the ground, these canes distribute weight more evenly and provide vital support on one side of the body. This is particularly useful for preventing falls and increasing the user’s confidence to walk in varied environments.

Laser Cane

Laser canes build on the benefits of traditional canes by incorporating a visual aid—a laser line projected onto the floor. This feature is designed to combat freezing of gait, a symptom where people with PD temporarily feel unable to move their feet.

The laser line acts as a visual cue that helps trigger movement, enabling users to initiate and continue walking more smoothly and with greater assurance.

3) Alinker

The Alinker is an innovative, non motorized walking bike designed for those who want to maintain an active lifestyle despite mobility challenges.  It supports the user in a standing position,  enabling them to remain at eye level with others, which is crucial for social interactions. This device is beneficial for those who can still use their legs but need substantial support for balance and endurance. For more information, go here.

4) Parkinson Rollator Walker

Specially designed for people living with PD, the Parkinson rollator walker includes features like laser lights and auditory cues. These are particularly effective for overcoming freezing episodes, providing stimuli that help the user initiate and continue movement. The walker also comes with

additional support for posture and a seat for resting, making it a versatile choice for varying levels of mobility impairment. For more information, go here.

5) U-Step Neuro Walker

The U-Step Neuro Walker is specifically engineered to increase stability with a U-shaped base which allows the user to be completely surrounded, increasing support and stability. This design helps  prevent falls by providing support in all directions. Its braking system activates when the handle is released and ensures additional safety and is ideal for those with tremors or sudden loss of muscle control. For more information, go here. 

Using walking aids can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s. 

These enhance physical mobility and boost psychological well-being by fostering greater independence and reducing the fear of falling. Embracing these tools can be a positive step towards managing the symptoms of PD and maintaining an active, fulfilling life. 

For many, the decision to use a walking aid is a step towards reclaiming independence rather than a sign of surrender. With proper support, individuals with Parkinson’s can continue to engage in their daily activities more safely and with greater confidence. If you or a loved one is navigating Parkinson’s, discuss these options with your healthcare provider to find the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.

Mark Burek Goes to Washington

Excerpt from Congressman Paul Tonko press release below:

One of the issues on which I’ve been working tirelessly to advance new legislation is Parkinson’s disease — the second most common and fastest-growing neurological disease. As part of that effort, I was thrilled in December to celebrate House passage of my National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act. Modeled on the successful National Alzheimer’s Project, this legislation will unite the federal government in a mission to cure and prevent Parkinson’s and alleviate the financial and health burdens the disease places on American families. As I watched the House advance our bipartisan bill by an overwhelming margin of 407-9, I was profoundly honored to stand alongside advocates like my friend and colleague Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, who is fighting her own courageous battle against a similar disease that she describes as “Parkinson’s on steroids.” Now, with House passage secured, I’m turning my efforts to making certain this pioneering legislation passes the Senate and reaches President Biden’s desk.

To drive home the importance of this bill, I was proud this week to invite Mark Burek to Washington as my guest for the State of the Union address. After serving in the Navy for 21 years, retiring as a Senior Chief, Mark went on to work as a postal carrier delivering mail on foot. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2007 at the age of 49, the news came as a shock. As he sought out resources and answers, Mark found that the Capital Region had no fitness resources or services dedicated to the Parkinson’s community. So Mark, an avid runner, set out to create them himself.

In 2011, Mark founded Parkinson’s Albany, which later became Hope Soars. For 13 years, Mark and his wife Ann have joined with local patients and advocates to raise awareness, support research, and inspire the Parkinson’s community to live fuller and healthier lives. Through his years of dedicated advocacy and through his own battle against Parkinson’s, Mark has come to acutely understand the pressing need to bring targeted federal resources to the national fight against this devastating disease. Today and every day, I am so grateful to have Mark and his organization as partners in this ongoing work.

At its core, this effort is about delivering a dose of hope to those who need it most. With nearly 90,000 new cases diagnosed each year, we cannot afford to wait a moment longer to take action on behalf of those living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones. Each day missed is another dark and uncertain diagnosis, another loss for a family and a community. With that urgency in mind, I urge the Senate to take up this bill immediately and join us in our pursuit of hope.

As always, thank you for reading.

Your friend,

Paul Tonko

How factors such as weather, geography, and altitude could have a potential impact on PD symptoms.

Cold weather can make Parkinson's disease symptoms worse. This is because cold weather can make people with Parkinson's disease more stiff and slow. It can also make it harder for them to exercise, which can worsen their symptoms. People with Parkinson's disease may also have trouble regulating their temperature, which can make them more sensitive to cold weather. Here are some tips for people with Parkinson's disease who are living in cold weather:

• Dress warmly. Dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing as needed.

• Stay indoors as much as possible. When you do go outside, make sure to dress warmly and cover up any exposed skin.

• Exercise regularly. Exercise can help to improve your symptoms and make you less sensitive to cold weather. (Local exercise classes)

• Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you to develop a plan to manage your symptoms in cold weather.

Summary of https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/high-altitude-cold-weather-effects-parkinsons/