Exercise is an important part of managing Parkinson's disease. It can help improve balance, coordination, mobility, and reduce symptoms. 

Types of Exercise:

Aerobic exercise: Walking, biking, swimming, dancing

Strength training: Exercises with weights, resistance bands, or body weight

Balance and coordination exercises: Tai chi, yoga, Pilates, boxing

Cognitive exercises: Marching, tapping, counting, cross-body movements

In the last decade, research studies and clinical experience have upgraded the importance of exercise for people with Parkinson’s from a “nice to have” activity to an essential way to help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. Exercise helps or even improves everything from your mood to your fatigue to muscle stiffness to tremor and constipation.

You can find local PD specific classes here: https://www.cdparkinsons.org/classes

What does LSVT BIG do?

• Improves balance, gait, and overall mobility

• Enhances coordination and agility

• Reduces freezing of gait (sudden involuntary stops while walking)

• Increases the amplitude (size) of movements

How does LSVT BIG work?

LSVT BIG involves intensive, individualized sessions with a certified therapist. The therapist guides the patient through a series of exercises that progressively challenge their movements, forcing them to make bigger, more exaggerated motions. This helps the brain rewire itself and adapt to the new movement patterns.

Who is LSVT BIG for?

LSVT BIG is primarily intended for individuals with Parkinson's disease who are experiencing movement difficulties. It may also be beneficial for other conditions that affect motor control, such as multiple sclerosis or stroke.

Benefits of LSVT BIG

• Studies have shown that LSVT BIG can significantly improve movement and quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease.

• It is a safe and well-tolerated therapy.

• LSVT BIG can provide long-lasting benefits, even after the therapy sessions are completed.

Where to find LSVT BIG

LSVT BIG is typically offered by physical or occupational therapists who are certified in the program. To find a certified therapist, you can contact your healthcare provider or search online.

Additional Information

• LSVT BIG is also known as "Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for Parkinson's Disease Big".

• There is also an LSVT LOUD (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Loud) program, which focuses on improving speech and communication in people with Parkinson's disease.

• For more information, visit the LSVT Global website: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/

Come play with us at the Guilderland, Glenville, Clifton Park or Bethlehem Y and at the Parkinson's Center YMCA.

Local Ping Pong

https://www.cdparkinsons.org/exercise

Navin P. Kumar - Table Tennis Champion with Parkinson's

https://youtu.be/XLZO5kRHsL4?si=m_m3Zyd5Nb0E21H1

Ping Pong serves up therapy for mind and body among people with Parkinson's disease [CBS Mornings Health Watch]

https://youtu.be/JivSzx88f3g?si=wZOZRo2R5VPToJ9k

Can Ping Pong Help Parkinson’s? | Inside Penn Medicine’s Community Program

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1xVW1Bog8g

Nenod Bach starts PPP

https://youtu.be/MvdK90m9dZQ?si=o7xRLX1AgE6OSgT5

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/benefits-of-ping-pong-for-parkinsons-disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic brain condition that causes progressive damage to brain cells over many years. It's characterized by low dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter that helps the brain control movement and coordination. Symptoms can include:

• Unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as tremors, shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination

• Slow movement

• Painful muscle contractions

• Difficulty speaking

• Swallowing problems

• Chewing and eating problems

• Sleep problems, such as waking up frequently throughout the night, waking up early, or falling asleep during the day

My Degeneration: A Journey Through Parkinson’s’ by Peter Dunlap-Shohl

This humorous graphic novel by former US news cartoonist Peter Dunlap-Shohl guides readers through Peter’s experience of Parkinson’s – from his battle with depression to the impact of the condition on his relationships.

“I resisted the idea of writing a book about Parkinson’s for years,” says Peter. “As novel as the comic format might be in the area of Parkinson’s literature, I didn’t want to merely echo what was already out there in a different form. Then a friend said to me, ‘But you treat your Parkinson’s as an adventure.’ That unlocked the gate for me to write ‘My Degeneration’.

“I hope that readers find inspiration and credible hope in this story, as well as a guide to what their experience of Parkinson’s might look like.”

Shaky Hands – A Kid’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease’ by Dr Soania Mathur

This book by Canadian writer Dr Soania Mathur is aimed at helping children better understand Parkinson’s – from explaining what it is to offering guidance on how they can help loved ones with the condition.

“The challenges of Parkinson’s extend beyond those diagnosed, to the whole family, including children,” says Soania. “This book is written with contributions from my three daughters, who were all born following my diagnosis of Parkinson’s at the age of 27. Since we fear what we don’t understand, my book serves to enlighten children about all aspects of Parkinson’s and empower them to make a difference.

“Talking about the condition, addressing their concerns and encouraging them to take action – be it going for a walk with their loved one or being patient if activities take longer than expected – can make diagnosis less scary for children.”

You will find some local care partner support groups here [ https://www.cdparkinsons.org/nearby-groups ]

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurological condition that gradually impacts movement, cognition, and non-motor functions. Caregiving for someone with PD often starts gently—helping with tasks the person may have difficulty with early on—but as the disease advances, caregiving demands escalate. Caregiving encompasses:

• Physical assistance (help with mobility, daily activities, medication management)

• Emotional support (navigating fluctuating moods, depression, anxiety)

• Practical tasks (appointment scheduling, financial and legal planning)

Roles and Evolution of the Care Partner

The Parkinson’s Foundation outlines caregiving as extending beyond obvious physical tasks—often including emotional and spiritual care, advocacy, and coordination with healthcare teams. Early on, caregivers may not identify fully as “caregivers” because the person with PD can still function independently; however, this role becomes more defined as symptoms progress.

Caregiving often evolves through stages:

• Early stages: learning about PD, adapting to diagnosis, managing mild symptoms

• Middle stages: increasing assistance with mobility, communication, daily living tasks

• Advanced stages: tending to complex medical needs, possible decisions around residential or hospice care

Challenges and Burdens of Caregiving

Caregivers frequently encounter:

• Emotional stress and burnout: The ongoing demands can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Sometimes, caregivers experience “compassion fatigue,” a depletion of emotional resources due to constant empathy and caregiving demands.[2]

• Physical strain: Assisting with mobility and personal care can be taxing physically.

• Social isolation and lost opportunities: Caregivers may reduce social activities and feel isolated.

• Financial strain: Time off work, medical expenses, and other costs add burden.

Importance of Self-Care for Caregivers

Supporting the caregiver is as important as supporting the person with PD. Self-care practices might include:

• Accessing peer support groups and educational resources

• Taking breaks and respite care to prevent burnout

• Practicing stress reduction techniques

• Seeking counseling or mental health support as needed

Available Resources and Support

Organizations such as the Parkinson’s Foundation provide extensive resources for care partners, such as:

• Helplines and educational programs

• Local support groups and online communities

• Guides on how to prepare for medical appointments

• Tips for caregiving in different PD stages and practical safety measures

Health Disclaimer

Please remember that while caregiving guidance can help, every person’s Parkinson’s journey is unique. It is essential for care partners to work with healthcare providers for personalized advice. Also, caregivers facing significant stress or burnout should seek professional support.

Find them here:

https://www.cdparkinsons.org/nearby-groups

Many resources here:  https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/?s=diet

Importance of Diet in Parkinson's Disease

People with PD face unique nutritional challenges including weight changes (both loss and gain), gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation and gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying), and complications from medications such as levodopa absorption being affected by protein intake timing. These can impact both overall health and quality of life.

Recommended Dietary Patterns

Research has explored several dietary patterns for PD management, including:

• Mediterranean Diet (MD): Emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, and healthy fats (like olive oil). Studies suggest it may improve antioxidant capacity, cognitive function, and symptoms related to PD [3].

• Ketogenic Diet (KD): High-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that produces ketone bodies, which may benefit brain metabolism. Some trials showed improvement in mood and non-motor symptoms; results on motor function are mixed [3].

• Low-Protein Diets or Protein Redistribution: Since protein can interfere with levodopa, some people benefit from consuming most protein in the evening to improve medication effectiveness [2].

• Plant-Based Diets: Whole-food, plant-based diets rich in antioxidants may be protective. Research in general population Sources

Diet & Nutrition In Parkinson's Disease | APDA

https://www.apdaparkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons-disease/diet-nutrition/

The Role of Diet and Dietary Patterns in Parkinson's Disease - PMC

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9654624/

Health Disclaimer: This response is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing your diet or managing medications.

Dancing Your Way to a Better Quality of Life with Parkinson'shttps://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/dance-therapy

Dancing Helps People With Parkinson's Diseasehttps://www.forbes.com/sites/evaamsen/2019/04/30/dancing-helps-movement-for-people-with-parkinsons-disease/

“You get a sense of your body and are pushing your body to do things you con’t think you can accomplish,” says Brown, who was diagnosed in 2008 with the neuro­degenerative disease. “There is something about the music and movement together that seems to help at a different level. … I come out of the class feeling energized and relaxed, all at the same time, and ready to move.”https://stanmed.stanford.edu/2017winter/dance-for-parkinsons-disease-at-the-stanford-neuroscience-health-center.html

Evidence from more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific studies serves to underpin the effectiveness and benefits of the Dance for PD teaching approach. The program has been featured in such media channels as The New York Times, USA Today, NBC, CNN, NPR, and The Guardian and has received multiple awards for its groundbreaking work.

https://danceforparkinsons.org/