Parkinson's Disease - What Should You Know?

Parkinson s disease predominantly affects the dopamine-producing neurons in a particular region of the brain called the substantia nigra. As we get older, the dopamine levels start depleting in our body. But in case of Parkinson s disease, it happens at a faster rate.

Weightlifting is not considered as the best choice for an exercise program for PD patients. The patient can perform alternative exercises to weight lifting to maintain the muscle strength. A few of these exercises include modified squats, activities in a standing position to increase strength in the legs, elevating body up to rise on the toes, sitting and rising from a chair repeatedly, and wall push-ups to strengthen the arms.

Physiotherapy can be started at any stage of the disease but it is recommended to start with physical therapy as early as possible. Once the disease is diagnosed, the patient should have a consultation with the physiotherapist, who then tailors an appropriate exercise program as per the needs and symptoms of the patient.

In the early stages of Parkinson s disease, physiotherapy assessment should focus on educational needs and self-management. The patients should be told how to keep themselves fit, active, and healthy. They should be educated for self-management and should be addressed on how to minimize the impact of Parkinson s on their lives. In the later stages, physiotherapist helps in overcoming the difficulty in generating automatic movement and thought using external or internal cues, dual task training, and improving attention span.