Activities for when mobility issues arise in standing and strolling movements
Managing Symptoms of Advanced Parkinson's Disease: Exercise and Mental Activities
Individuals living with advanced Parkinson's disease can still benefit from regular exercise and mental activities, as they significantly improve symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.
For those experiencing difficulties with walking or balancing, it's recommended to use assistance such as bars, heavy tables, or chairs while exercising or stretching. When standing or getting up is challenging, consider performing exercises and stretches in a chair or bed. Numerous seated exercise classes, like general exercise, dance, yoga, and balance-focused workouts, are available for those unable to stand. Additionally, using a recumbent bike, which offers a lower-impact exercise option, may be beneficial.
Facial exercises can help combat speech and swallowing difficulties commonly experienced by those living with Parkinson's. Examples of these exercises include chewing food thoroughly, exaggerating facial expressions, making faces in the mirror, and engaging in activities such as singing or reading out loud. Joining a choir or online singing group may also be a beneficial option.
Memory, cognitive function, and overall brain health can be improved through mental exercises. One simple example is to name as many animals, vegetables (or colors, or cars) as possible within a minute, to engage the mind in a fun and stimulating way. Brain games, puzzles, solving math problems, and activities like Sudoku or crossword puzzles can also be helpful.
To add more movement to daily routines, consider incorporating light exercises, such as stretching during TV breaks, or swinging arms during meals.
Before starting a new exercise or mental activity program, consulting a healthcare provider is essential to tailor activities to suit individual health status and capabilities. It's important to begin slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration to avoid fatigue and injury. Regular engagement is key to maintaining benefits over time.
(Reference details have been excluded for brevity, but are available on request)
- In addition to exercise, mental activities like brain games, puzzles, and solving math problems can significantly improve memory, cognitive function, and overall brain health for individuals with advanced Parkinson's disease.
- Engaging in fitness and exercise, such as seated exercise classes, recumbent biking, and performing exercises while seated or in bed, can help manage symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease, especially when walking or balancing is challenging.
- For those experiencing speech and swallowing difficulties due to Parkinson's, exercises like chewing food thoroughly, making facial expressions, and singing or reading out loud can provide relief and improve these symptoms.
- Neurological disorders, including chronic diseases and mental-health issues, can also be addressed through regular exercise, mental activities, and health-and-wellness practices, such as staying mentally alert through activities like naming animals or practicing meditation for improved mental health.
