David Blacker

I agree 100% with the positive comments about exercise, and the suggestion it “boosts energy levels”.

Much more needs to be learnt about the science behind using exercise as a therapy for neurological disorders so we can optimize it’s use and possibly harness its benefits for those who cannot exercise ( eg more advanced PD, immobile stroke patie…[Read more]

I’d be happy to share my story, in fact I feel almost obliged to do this, as a neurologist who has PD

David Blacker

Perth

Western Australia

Just a correction, it was Dan, not Dr Ahlskog himself, who brought up the “ burning through” L-dopa suggestion with exercise.

looking through the other replies it’s clear that we need a much more organized and expert, individualized approach to the prescription of exercise in PD

Last year, the Parkinson’s foundation put out a fabulous table s…[Read more]

Hi Bruce

A few things.

You should probably get a thorough review by your neurologist or internist to ensure there is not another cause for your leg weakness such as poor circulation or spinal canal narrowing.

More L-dopa may be needed; great to see Eric Ahklkog chipping into this discussion ; his books are a “must read” and his views on exe…[Read more]

So sorry Bari – predictive text and early hours of morning a bad combination

I also find the calmness of yoga very soothing

Thanks Dave – I feel obliged to share my experience, particularly to encourage my neurology colleagues to provide the best possible care, I agree with your sentiment about the insulting comments about exercise prescription

There needs to be much greater precision about exercise prescription – and i think neurologists are not the best people to…[Read more]

Bart’s description of yoga for PD is brilliant – I agree completely with his comments.

What I didn’t mention in my earlier piece focused on high intensity training is the fact that I alternate high intensity  days with yoga days. My wife is training  ax a yoga instructor, and we are developing a specific PD targeted program.

Yoga breathing has m…[Read more]

Thanks for opening this discussion Mary. This is an interesting and important question, and I plan to devote the remainder of my career to working this out, with research in collaboration with my neurology and sports science colleagues.

Presently, we don’t really have enough data to be sure about the best approach and how to adapt the best…[Read more]

Hi, David Blacker in

Perth

Australia

really like this forum – read it a lot during my hours of insomnia!

Even though I live in a warm climate in Australia, I’ve had trouble keeping warm at times especially at night. I’ve been piling on the blankets whilst my menopausal wife has been burning up.

I recently read some articles describing how PD patients with REM sleep behavior disorder had a greater drop in night time core body temperature than con…[Read more]

Thanks Jo

Although I knew quite early what was happening, when I saw a colleague who  agreed with the Dx in 2018 it was still a shock. I  am lucky to see a general neurologist and a MDS- a bit strange because the MDS was once my trainee.

 
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The dreams are likely part of REM sleep behavior disorder and can precede other symptoms by years, and this is no recognized as a early feature of PD,

Benzodiazepine drugs such as Clonazepam are often prescribed. I get these sort of dreams about 3 times a weak; thrashing around and talking; it usually wakes my wife, and I can’t get back to s…[Read more]

Thanks for opening this discussion – I usually refer to myself as having PD; my wife really dislikes the term “Parkie”; she thinks it is a disrespectful term that is too casual. Your quest for optimal communication is worthy and important; I’ve previously written about my ideas on how the perception of PD might influence the course of the condi…[Read more]

It does sound dystonia, but there will almost certainly be a musculoskeletal component due to asymmetry of weight bearing ,

Apparently, James Parkinson mentions pain in his original descriptions, but it doesn’t get a lot of attention by modern doctors, even though up to 80% of PD patients will get some form of pain,

I too get a lot of pain in m…[Read more]

I think exercise programs need to be individualised, but key elements include;

1. Cardiovascular- probably including a high intensity component.

2. Strength and resistance; with some weights

3. Targeted specific movements to counter the key deficits; ie slow, limited range of arm and leg movements – to me boxing is the most logical exercise…[Read more]