What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system, primarily impacting movement control. It occurs when the brain cells that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling movement, gradually deteriorate or die. This leads to the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including tremors, rigidity, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Longevity Health and Fitness understands that living with Parkinson’s can be challenging. While there is no cure, we focus on helping individuals manage symptoms effectively through tailored exercise programmes that improve mobility, flexibility, and strength. Regular physical activity has been shown to slow the progression of motor symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from person to person, but common signs include:

• Tremors: Involuntary shaking, often starting in the hands or fingers.
• Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, making simple tasks take longer.
• Muscle rigidity: Stiffness in the muscles, which can cause pain and limit range of motion.
• Postural instability: Difficulty with balance, leading to a higher risk of falls.
• Changes in handwriting: Smaller, more cramped writing.
• Speech changes: Softening or slurring of speech.
• Shuffling walk: A tendency to shuffle or drag feet when walking.

At Longevity Health and Fitness, we aim to help clients with Parkinson’s manage these symptoms through specifically designed exercise routines. These exercises focus on enhancing mobility, balance, and muscle strength, which can help counteract the rigidity and improve coordination.

How long can you live with Parkinson’s disease?

The progression of Parkinson’s disease and life expectancy varies greatly between individuals. On average, those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease may live for 10 to 20 years after the onset of symptoms. With proper management, including medication, lifestyle adjustments, and physical activity, people with Parkinson’s can continue to live a fulfilling life.

Longevity Health and Fitness believes that maintaining an active lifestyle can significantly enhance quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. Regular exercise has been shown to help slow symptom progression, increase mobility, and reduce the risk of complications, such as falls.

Is there a cure for Parkinson’s disease?

Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications like levodopa can help replenish dopamine levels, and therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy can be beneficial.

While there is no medical cure, Longevity Health and Fitness focuses on non-pharmacological interventions like exercise to help individuals manage their symptoms. Our exercise programmes are designed to improve strength, balance, and flexibility, which can make a significant difference in day-to-day activities and overall well-being.

How to prevent Parkinson’s disease?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent Parkinson’s disease, but some studies suggest that maintaining an active lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical and mental exercise may lower the risk of developing the condition. Genetic factors also play a role, and while they can’t be changed, a healthy lifestyle can help improve general brain health.

Longevity Health and Fitness encourages physical activity and offers a range of programmes that focus on brain-body coordination, flexibility, and strength. Staying active throughout life can improve your overall health and may contribute to reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.

What is the best medication for Parkinson’s disease?

The best medication for Parkinson’s disease varies depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. The most common treatment is levodopa, which is converted into dopamine in the brain to help control movement. Other medications may include dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and COMT inhibitors, which all aim to support dopamine function in different ways.

While medication is an important part of managing Parkinson’s, Longevity Health and Fitness supports individuals in incorporating exercise into their treatment plans. Exercise can help make the effects of Parkinson’s medication more effective, improving mobility and strength while reducing side effects like muscle stiffness.

What are the signs of Parkinson’s disease?

The signs of Parkinson’s disease develop slowly and often begin with mild symptoms, which may be overlooked. Common early signs include:

• Tremors in the hands, fingers, or face.
• Slowed movement or feeling stiff.
• Poor posture or balance problems.
• Difficulty walking, often leading to shuffling steps.
• Facial expression changes, where the face may appear less expressive.

At Longevity Health and Fitness, early intervention can be key to managing Parkinson’s disease. Our exercise plans are designed to enhance mobility and strengthen the muscles, which can alleviate some of these early symptoms and delay further progression.