From the medical director

	Martha Nance, MD, Medical Director

Making life better without pills

When a person with Parkinson’s disease sees the doctor, it is quite common to leave with a prescription for a medication (or two or three). But Parkinson’s disease care in 2009 includes more than just pills.

Research is proving the benefits of exercise in Parkinson’s disease. Even early in treatment, people benefit from a physical therapist visit to discuss an exercise program that emphasizes aerobic activities (such as walking, swimming and bicycling) and range of motion (such as stretching, dance, yoga and tai chi). A new program called BIG, available at our center (see News section for more details), emphasizes large, symmetric movements, which help override the small, slow motion caused by Parkinson’s. New research appears to indicate that exercise also may play a role in keeping brain tissue healthy – so exercise may be “neuroprotective.”

As time passes, balance problems can make it more difficult for a person with Parkinson’s disease to walk or bicycle safely. A new “upper body-supported treadmill” – coming to the center this summer – allows people with balance problems to exercise their legs safely without risk of falling.

For working people who have to speak to clients or co-workers, speech difficulties can create a challenge. Family and friends can become frustrated as the Parkinson-affected person’s voice changes (and the person with Parkinson’s disease in turn grows weary of constant reminders to “speak up”). Fortunately, help is available. Voice training programs administered by a trained speech therapist (including a well-researched protocol called LSVT LOUD), can lead to more effective communication.

Tremors and loss of coordination make many daily chores – from buttoning and cutting food to keyboarding, writing and zipping – slow and challenging. Occupational therapists can help find strategies or equipment that make these tasks easier. If you have trouble putting on your coat, rolling over in bed or getting out of the car, ask to see an occupational therapist.

Struthers Parkinson’s Center also has developed some team-based evaluations of specific problems, in which two or more rehabilitation therapists address the problem from different perspectives. Examples of these programs include a falls prevention program and intensive attention training program (see News section for more details).

We offer physical, occupational and speech therapy with a doctor’s referral (you do not have to see our center doctors to qualify for a rehab team visit).

Summertime is the best time to start making your life better. No matter what stage of Parkinson’s disease you find yourself in, ask your doctor whether there should be more to your treatment than just pills.