In a "normal brain", some nerve cells produce the chemical dopamine, which transmits signals within the brain to produce smooth movement of muscles. Parkinson's disease is caused by the death of 80% or more of dopamine producing cells which causes the nerve cells to fire wildly, leaving patients with little or no control over their movements. Symptoms usually show up in one or more of the following ways:
- Tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face rigidity,
- Stiffness of limbs and trunk bradykinesia,
- Slowness of movement, postural instability
- Impaired balance and coordination.
One person in every 500 has Parkinson's. That's about 130,000 people in the UK. There's currently no cure for Parkinson's and we don't yet know why or how people get the condition. Parkinson's doesn't actually cause people to die, but the symptoms of Parkinson's get worse over time which indirectly causes deterioration in bodily functions. Some people attribute the symptoms of Parkinson's to old age, which leads to a late diagnosis.
There is currently no cure for Parkinson's and, as a consequence, drugs are the primary means of reducing the symptoms of Parkinson's along with some surgical procedures in extreme cases.
Drug treatments normally aim to increase the level of dopamine that reaches the brain, stimulate the parts of the brain where dopamine works and/or block enzymes that destroy dopamine. For this to happen, some drugs need to be able to cross the blood brain barrier. There are so many drugs prescribed for Parkinson's, it can become overwhelming. All Parkinson's drug treatments have their pros and cons but research is improving the options all the time.
Every person with Parkinson's has a different experience of the condition. Some will experience symptoms that others don't, so your GP, specialist or Parkinson's nurse will aim to find the treatment that is best for you and your specific symptoms. Your drugs will be reviewed over time to make sure you receive the best combination for you as your condition progresses.
People with Parkinson's who exercise on a day to day basis show much better motor skills than those that don't. The research suggests that exercise contributes to positive neuro-plasticity (changes in the brain), helping the brain to restore lost connections, make new ones and maintain old ones. This in turn, has been shown to reduce neuro-degeneration.
Check with you doctor before participating in any exercise program to get advice and recommendations about the types of exercise best suited to you. Ask about things like intensity and duration. These factors will all depend on your symptoms and the severity of your symptoms.
Your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist or you can join a local gym. Either way, make sure to get as much advice as possible and always remember to start slow.
Which types of exercises are good for Parkinson's patients? The answer to this question is specific to the person. Sure, there are types of exercises that show to have more physical benefits than others but, because frequency is so important with Parkinson's, finding something you enjoy is key. For instance, there's not much point in taking up boxing, which has been shown to be very beneficial, if you enjoy yoga. Find something you like to do, your symptoms allow you to do and something you have access to do, so it's not a chore to go do it.
Consult closely with your doctor, physiotherapist or healthcare professional when creating an exercise program. General recommendations on getting started include:
- Aim for at least 15 minutes of exercise every day
- Make sure to include a thorough stretching program that targets each joint and muscle group
- Spend a few minutes warming up and cooling down. This could include marching in place or stretching
- Start with the easiest exercises first. Slowly introduce the more difficult exercises as your fitness increases
- Try to perform each movement to the best of your ability
- Stop and rest if you feel tired at any point during your exercise program, as overexertion can make your symptoms worse
- Stop doing any exercise that causes you pain
- If you suffer from fatigue, try exercising earlier in the day
- Try to make exercising fun. Suggestions include exercising with others or playing your favourite music
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