Earlier this summer I had the privilege of attending the World Parkinson’s Congress in Phoenix, Arizona. This was my first Congress. Yes, I was a freshman. There were so many sessions that looked interesting, but not enough time to hit them all. There were a lot of brilliant people there as well. And I have to say, I had an expectation that I’d hear of some breakthrough disease-altering therapy that was on the horizon. Maybe I was naïve, maybe I was just hopeful. And while I didn’t hear anything about a breakthrough, there are a lot of brilliant people working hard on new possibilities (stem cell therapy being one of them) that were exciting.
But one of the most interesting topics was the correlation between exercise and the brain. Science is catching up to what we already believed was happening. There is now proof that exercise contributes to neuroplasticity. What is neuroplasticity, you ask? Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to form new connections in the brain and pathways in response to life experiences.
In fact, there are documented structural changes in the brain, physical changes (positive changes), as a result of regular intense exercise.
Exercises like cycling, Rock Steady Boxing (a program specifically for PD), dual-task activities, balance movement practices, and protocols like LSVT BIG all contribute to neuroplasticity. The key is to exercise 3–4 times a week for 30–45 minutes.
I’m sure you’re tired of hearing me say this! And if you’ve been around me at all, I’ve told you: diet and exercise make a huge difference! Not just to me (someone with PD), but they can make a difference for you too.
I was diagnosed 15 years ago, I started exercising regularly 10 years ago and a healthy, mostly vegetarian diet 5 years ago. I’m not gonna tell you what kind of exercise I do; there’s no magic pill for you. All that is important is that you do what you like to do, do it hard, and do it often. Whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you will see a huge difference not just in how you feel but whatever ails you.
The science is clear, diet and exercise can make a difference in your life. It will give you hope, and it will slow down the progression of Parkinson’s. Try for the next thirty days and tell me I’m wrong.
Yours in the fight to kick Parkinson’s butt,
Derek