7 Signs of Parkinson’s Disease You May Not Know

By: Shannon Hernandez, ATC, CPT, AEFP, PWR! Certified

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. The Parkinson’s foundation defines the disease as a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) usually develop slowly over several years and often vary from person to person, progressing at different rates. Symptoms of PD may include:

  1. Tremors at rest
  2. Bradykinesia – slow and small steps, movements or postural changes
  3. Gait and balance problems
  4. Stiffness and poor posture
  5. Instable posture
  6. Impaired kinesthesia – a diminished ability to sense the position of one’s body in space
  7. Soft and mumbled speech

Any one of these symptoms alone does not mean you have Parkinson’s, but a combination could be an indicator. Consult with your doctor for an official diagnosis if it has not already been confirmed.

The cause of PD is unknown and although there is no cure for the disease, treatment options are available, including exercise. Following a diagnosis, here are some recommendations to get the most out of your exercise plan:

  • Pay attention to which exercises you do and how you do them
  • Don’t go into autopilot to complete your exercises, really concentrate on body alignment
  • Focus on big movements in a safe environment
  • Place emphasis on each individual action to ensure proper form
  • As you become aware of your body and movements, you can challenge yourself with multi-task movements in a safe environment

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, exercising individually or in a group setting can help decrease many symptoms of the disease. If exercising on your own sounds overwhelming or is simply not motivating, group exercise is a great way to combat the common lack of enjoyment with exercise; receiving motivation from others increases enjoyment and helps you stick to an exercise plan.

Sheltering Arms offers a Parkinson’s disease care clinic and several fitness classes and programs specifically designed for people with PD. To learn more about these services, click the button below.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Floor Transfers: Why They’re Important

Floor transfers, the ability to get down and rise from the floor without assistance, are an indicator of an individual’s functional independence, quality of life, and a predictor of longevity and overall health. This seemingly simple movement represents a complex integration of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination that is closely linked to one’s overall functional mobility.

Heart Healthy Foods

Five Foods That Promote Heart Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, women, and most ethnic groups in the United States. While some risk factors—such as age, gender, and family history—are beyond our control, many other factors can be managed through lifestyle choices. Diet, physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco all play a critical role in supporting heart health.

Coping With Seasonal Depression

Winter can take a toll on your mood and energy, especially as daylight hours decrease. Learn how understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and using a few practical strategies can support your mental health throughout the colder months.

How Exercise Improves Brain Health

It’s a new year, which for many of us means setting fitness goals—but exercise isn’t just about building muscle or improving heart health. Staying active is also one of the best ways to support your brain. Regular movement can improve memory, decision-making, and overall cognitive function, which is especially important for reducing the risk of memory loss or dementia.

Universal Cuffs

Adaptive Equipment Following Spinal Cord Injury

Globally, there are more than 15 million people living with spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI can often limit your physical capacity to perform certain tasks; however, with modifications and the integration of various pieces of adaptive equipment, you can continue to be independent and engage in meaningful daily activities. Below are the top 3 recommended adaptive equipment devices* for individuals with spinal cord injury.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.