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Parkinson s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder of the central nervous system, which causes tremors, muscular rigidity and slow movements. This disease usually tends to afflict middle-aged and elderly people and affects the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. While there is no cure for the disease, treatment can only help reduce the symptoms. These are the early signs of PD you should know about.
Unfortunately, even with the treatment, most patients experience a decline in quality of life and motor impairments, increasing the risk of falls. Along with this, these patients are also prone to changes in their mental status, including depression and disturbance of memory and cognition. Here are 10 facts about Parkinson's disease.
While several studies have found that physical activities are beneficial for PD patients, it has also been observed that the compliance and regular participation of exercising sessions is insufficient among them. However, researchers have found that a lot more fun and enjoyable activity is just as beneficial for PD patients dancing.
Dancing has several beneficial effects in PD, including improvements in rhythmic motor coordination and balance. Patients are also more likely to join dance classes as it offers social interaction, a support system, musical experience and visual and sensory stimulation [1].
A study published in the Frontiers of Aging Neuroscience in 2011 found that 11 PD patients between the ages of 55-85 years old who regularly took weekly dance classes had significant improvements in hand movements, finger taps, and facial expression. The study was conducted over a period of eight months and researchers found that the patients responded to the dance therapy immediately after each dance class.
The patients were taught by a professional dancer and each class combined elements of ballet, jazz steps, contemporary dance, dance theater, and choreographic elements.
In another study, individuals with PD demonstrated significant improvements in balance with a twice weekly, 10-week tango program [2]. This study was conducted by researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in 2007 and was published in the Journal of Neurological Physical therapy.
In fact, tango elevates heart rate to approximately 70% and also incorporates practice of many functional movements that people with PD struggle with, including backward walking and turning. Other than this, these are the treatment options for people with PD.
References
[1] Heiberger L, Maurer C, Amtage F, et al. Impact of a Weekly Dance Class on the Functional Mobility and on the Quality of Life of Individuals with Parkinson s Disease. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 2011;3:14. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2011.00014.
[2] J Neurol Phys Ther. 2007 Dec;Effects of tango on functional mobility in Parkinson's disease: a preliminary study. Hackney ME(1), Kantorovich S, Levin R, Earhart GM.
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