Navigating Parkinson's Disease
Approximately 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease each year. On With Life’s physical therapist, Gail McGaughy, shares the signs of Parkinson’s and ways On With Life’s specially developed Parkinson’s program can help with the side effects common with Parkinson’s disease.
Q: What is Parkinson’s Disease?
A: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressively degenerative disease of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including, but not limited to tremors. Nerve cell damage in the brain causes dopamine levels to drop, leading to the symptoms of Parkinson's. Parkinson's often starts with a tremor in one hand; other motor symptoms are slow/small movement, shuffling gait, stiffness and loss of balance. Parkinson's also has non-motor symptoms such as anxiety/depression, sleep disorders, constipation and slower thinking skills. Medications can help control the symptoms of Parkinson's, but research strongly supports exercise with PD.
Q: I have been diagnosed. What do I do next?
A: The most important action to take is to be informed. Seek out as many reputable resources as you can while staying cautious of everything posted online. Arm yourself with education, wellness and treatment options and be prepared to fight! Establish a healthcare team that works with you; this should include a movement disorder specialist or a neurologist who regularly treats and understands Parkinson’s disease, a therapy team (physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech language pathologist), mental health counselor, nutritionist, and family and friends. You are not alone and together with On With Life you have the power to MOVE. SPEAK. STAY STRONG!
Q: What kind of exercise is most appropriate and what is provided at On With Life?
A: Aerobic, strengthening, stretching and balance are all recommended. On With Life has developed a unique comprehensive Parkinson’s program that includes services for those have recently been diagnosed and for those in later stages of Parkinson’s. This includes traditional therapy, LSVT BIG and LOUD, SPEAK OUT, various wellness classes (walking program, PD Singers, cognitive fitness), and comprehensive yearly assessments.
Our entire team of outpatient therapists in Ankeny and Coralville are LSVT and SPEAK OUT certified and are passionate about developing a program that serves persons with Parkinson’s and their care partners. We also offer a weekly SPEAK OUT class, monthly LSVT BIG check-in, and a monthly educationally based support group.