Parkinson’s Disease is what’s considered a degenerative disease. Over the course of time, the symptoms get worse and worse, especially if it is not treated properly. There’s no cure for the disease, but the symptoms can be managed, especially early on in the process. Science cannot fully explain why some people develop Parkinson’s and some people don’t, nor can scientists prevent Parkinson’s from developing. However, as research into the disease gets more advanced, doctors have made a lot of progress when it comes to improving the quality of life of those that suffer from the disease.
One new development that has been made is that research has shown that exercise can help slow the progression of the disease. Just 2.5 hours of exercise per week was shown to have health benefits and increase the quality of life of those with the disease. Over a two year period of time, those with the disease even experienced a greater deal of mobility than what they had when they began. That’s 30 minutes of exercise, five days per week. When you break it up into small chunks like this, it is a much less overwhelming number.
Now, we know that exercise is not something that comes easily to everyone. And those that have physical impairments because of Parkinson’s Disease certainly fit into that category. Exercising can be tough, but for most people, getting started is the hardest part. Once you have found a type of exercise that you enjoy and have worked it into your routine, even the tougher days are worthwhile. If you aren’t sure where to start, start small. Even a few minutes here and there is better than nothing. As you find what works for you and what doesn’t, you can start bumping up the numbers if you need to.
Just remember to be safe so that you are getting as much as you can out of your new routine.
Individuals that have Parkinson’s disease show the trademark tremors that accompany the disease, but as symptoms progress, these individuals also develop difficulty getting around and taking care of themselves. In many cases, in-home care is adequate to address all of the needs that someone with Parkinson’s might have. While this is the case for a lot of people, it’s not the case for all. We strongly urge you to talk to your loved one’s doctor about which type of senior care is best for them and their unique situation if you have any questions.
Senior care can go a long way toward helping those with Parkinson’s disease live a higher quality of life, and as this research shows, incorporating safe exercise into their routine can, too. If these little things can help your mom or dad to be healthier and happier, they are definitely worth pursuing. Exercise might seem like an impossible goal, but with help it is attainable. And the big benefits that come with it can make managing Parkinson’s symptoms a lot easier in some cases. This alone makes it well worth trying.
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