Riding a bike with PD, is it safe for a person with balance problems?

I recently was asked by an acquaintance if it would be safe for a person with PD that had balance issues to ride a bike . I thought I would share the answser I gave him.

Regular exercise can improve mobility, balance and mood for people with the disease. One particular activity that is proven to be very successful is bike riding. While it may not help everyone, research has shown that many patients have experienced significant benefits by cycling regularly. Riding a bike can improve overall movement, tremors, rigidity, aerobic capacity, cognitive function, and mood. I can understand the reluctance to start riding if you have not ridden for some time and have balance problems, There is a saying that you never forget how to ride a bike. That may be true for you. It is true for the guy in this video

The steps I would take to find out:

Buy or rent a bicycle that fits you, or bring your bicycle to a bike shop to get a tune up if you haven’t ridden it for a while. It will be good to know for sure that the brakes work and the tires have the correct air pressure before you ride. Have them fit the bike to you. Having the seat a little lower than normal may help you get your foot on the ground when you stop. Get a helmet that fits. The first time you ride, bring the bike to a bike path or park or residential street without much traffic. Have someone come with you to hold the bike when you are getting on/off and starting. Make your first ride short. Practice starting, stopping, turning, but avoid sharp turns. If you feel comfortable, take longer rides. Ride with a friend for safety. I have found that the best tool for fixing a bike, if it needs repair during a ride, is a cell phone. Make sure someone can come get you if you need help. If you still don’t feel comfortable riding a bike after a bit of practice, but you still want to ride outside, try a recumbent bicycle or a tricycle or an electric assist bicycle. I purchased an e-bike about 3 years ago. It makes riding easier and more fun. Features that help: A bike is most unstable when moving at a slow speed. The motor assist allows you to gain speed and stability quickly from a stop. The e-bike I have has hydraulic disk brakes, similar to what is on a motorcycle. They make sure the bike stops when you need to stop. 2.5 inch fat tires make it hard for the tires to get stuck in a crack on the road and gives the ability to ride on gravel or grass.. I can ride up hills, with the help of the electric motor assist, that would have required walking without it.

I can ride fast if I want, it makes me feel 15 years younger, when I could ride that fast without the help of an electric motor. I hope that helps. — Jud an avid, life long bicycle rider, was diagnosed with PD more than 11 years ago at the age of 58.

Dehydration and Parkinson's

Now that it is officially summer and the weather is warming up, it's time to think about keeping hydrated.

Dehydration is a common problem for people with Parkinson's disease. This is because the disease can damage the parts of the brain that control thirst, as well as make it difficult to swallow. As a result, people with Parkinson's may not feel thirsty even when they are dehydrated, and they may have trouble drinking enough fluids.

Although symptoms may fluctuate throughout the day, the progression of PD is very slow. If PD symptoms worsen over a relatively short time, such as days or weeks, then it is critical to search for an underlying cause, through medical providers. Medication changes, infection, dehydration, sleep deprivation, recent surgery, stress, or other medical problems can worsen PD symptoms. Urinary tract infections are a particularly common cause.

Dehydration can have serious consequences for people with Parkinson's. It can worsen symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, and slowness of movement. It can also lead to low blood pressure, dizziness, and falls.

There are a few things that people with Parkinson's can do to prevent dehydration. These include:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty.

• Drink water before, during and after exercise

• Eat foods that are high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables.

• Take medication with a full glass of water.

• Carry a water bottle with you at all times.

• Set a timer to remind yourself to drink fluids every few hours.

• Keep a pitcher of water on your nightstand so you can drink during the night.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know with Parkinson's may be dehydrated, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk of dehydration and develop a plan to stay hydrated.

Driving and Parkinson's

Our May 11, 2023 meeting focused on Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Given by Donna S. Tice, from Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital.

These are some notes and resources mentioned at the meeting.

The meeting notes can also be found on our website under "About us/Past Meetings".

https://www.cdparkinsons.org/past-meetings

========== Resources mentioned in the meeting that may be helpful: Transitioning from Driver to Passenger From https://www.thehartford.com/resources/mature-market-excellence/dementia-driving When it’s time for loved ones with dementia to stop driving and how to help them cope with driving cessation, the booklet At the Crossroads (Family Conversations about Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia & Driving) may help guide the conversation. Worksheets Excerpted From At the Crossroads Guidebook

• Agreement With My Family Worksheet

• Conversation Planner Worksheet

• Driving Activities Worksheet

• Getting There Worksheet

• Not Going It Alone Worksheet

• Warning Signs Worksheet

Senior Transportation Options Directory provided by the Albany Guardian Society https://albanyguardiansociety.org/ Transportation is a vital link for seniors to remain active and independent in their community. New in 2021, the “Transportation Options for Senior Adults in the Capital Region” directory provides the name, contact information, specific services provided, hours of service, accommodations, and fees for the senior transportation options in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties.