Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a very common neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 2% of the population over 65 years of age. PD is caused by a progressive degeneration and loss of dopamine (DA)-producing neurons, which leads to tremor, rigidity, and hypokinesia (abnormally decreased mobility). It is thought that PD may be the first disease to be amenable to treatment using stem cell transplantation. Factors that support this notion include the knowledge of the specific cell type (DA neurons) needed to relieve the symptoms of the disease. In addition, several laboratories have been successful in developing methods to induce embryonic stem cells to differentiate into cells with many of the functions of DA neurons.

The conclusions of a recent article from NBC6.Net stating that Pilates may help relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease is, I believe, misleading and possibly even detrimental to Parkinsons patients, despite short-term anecdotal evidence cited in the original article.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Pilates may benefit Parkinson's patients.

Parkinson's Disease is a degenerative disorder that inhibits a person's ability to control movement. Its most common symptoms include tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity and poor balance.

For Parkinson's disease, physical therapy and speech therapy can be very helpful, especially in the beginning of treatment.

If a point is reached when the effects level out, medication will be recommended to increase the brain's supply of dopamine. This helps control the symptoms of the disease.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Azilect (rasagiline) for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The drug is a monoamine oxidase type--B (MAO-B) inhibitor that blocks the breakdown of dopamine, a chemical that sends information to the parts of the brain that control movement and coordination.