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Senior Fitness
Exercise and Parkinson's
By Jim Evans
DEAR JIM: My husband was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and is experiencing mild tremors, muscle rigidity and loss of balance. He has always been very physically active but is frustrated because he is unable to perform even some of the simplest tasks without help. In fact, he is becoming a real grouch! He's only 67, but he is beginning to act like a cantankerous 87. Is there anything he can do to maintain more of his physical independence and improve his attitude?
- LIVING WITH A GROUCH
DEAR GROUCH'S WIFE: Your husband is experiencing some of the most common symptoms of Parkinson's and, according to the National Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinson.org), he may also begin to experience small, cramped handwriting; muffled speech; a stiff facial expression; and a shuffling walk. Depression is often a common symptom of Parkinson's, too, which might account for his cranky behavior, so you might want to confer with his physician about prescribing an anti-depressant - at least temporarily - to help him through the process of coping with the disease.
More than 1.5 million people suffer from Parkinson's in this country with an estimated 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year and, although it usually affects those over 65 years of age, approximately 15 percent of those diagnosed are under the age of 50.
Surgery and medication can sometimes help to minimize the symptoms of Parkinson's. However, exercise can minimize the symptoms of Parkinson's and improve disposition without negative side effects and can help to prevent joint deformities.
Many people with Parkinson's are not motivated to exercise because they tire easily or they are afraid of losing their balance and falling, but it sounds like your husband is more frustrated by his inability to do certain things rather than his motivation to try them.
I would suggest that your husband schedule a minimum of 15 minutes of "formal" exercise every day - preferably in the morning when the body is most rested. Walking (be sure to move the arms), stretching, yoga, tai chi, water exercise, dancing, cycling on a stationery bike, and rowing are all excellent forms of exercise that can help him to maintain muscle tone and function and joint mobility.
Tai chi, in particular, is especially good for improving balance. If he becomes tired, he should rest to avoid over-exertion, which can cause increased tremor and rigidity and excessive fatigue. The important thing is for him to establish a consistent pattern of physical activity because once he stops, it will be much more difficult to get started again, and many Parkinson's patients simply give up.
He should also continue to perform his normal day-to-day activities such as eating, showering, dressing - and other functions of everyday living - as much as possible. From time to time you will be tempted to help him with some of these activities, but you should only assist him if he is unable to perform them by himself so that he does not lose his independence and self-confidence.
In the meantime, continue to be patient with your grouch and keep him occupied so that he does not dwell on his condition. Life still has a lot to offer even during difficult times.
Jim Evans is a 39-year veteran of the health and fitness industry and a nationally recognized fitness consultant. He is also chairman of the host of the popular radio talk show "Forever Young" on San Diego's KCBQ 1170 AM (www.fyradio.biz).
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