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Exercise May Keep Parkinson's Symptoms At Bay Target Exercises Focus On Balance, Postural Changes UPDATED: 11:15 a.m. EDT October 27, 2003 PITTSBURGH -- Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease caused by a loss of the cells in the brain that produce the chemical dopamine. While there are medications that can slow the loss of dopamine, they can bring about negative side effects after long-term use. That's why many look for other methods to slow disease progression. As a former engineer, Dick Beyer takes a calculated approach to everything he does -- especially now that he has Parkinson's disease. "I was having trouble reaching for a glass off the second shelf in the kitchen, so I developed an exercise in the total gym, which basically repeats that motion," he said. According to Kathi Brandfass, a physical therapist at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, these movements help the many symptoms of Parkinson's disease. "At the heart of what we're working on are really the tasks that involve targeting, reaction, their reaction to a target," she said. Brandfass started the program to study the effect of targeted exercises on Parkinson's disease. "All of them have had significant postural changes, and balance, there's a big balance improvement," she said. Since the disease affects one side or the other, the exercises work both. Moving backwards initiates new motor programs. "I feel like what I'm participating in is the giveback program, so the people with Parkinson's after me will have more than I had," Beyer said. Parkinson's disease patient Jim Cordy is also looking out for more than himself. He said, "I'm curing Parkinson's. I don't have time to take care of Jim Cordy." But if the results hold true, Cordy will be helping himself -- just by exercising. Brandfass also points to the importance of starting exercise programs early -- before the problems become debilitating. Of course, you'll want to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. She said a trained individual can create a program with exercises to help each person's specific needs. If you would like more information, please contact: UPMC Sports Medicine 3200 S. Water St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (412) 432-3700 SOURCE: Champlain Channel.com, NY http://www.thechamplainchannel.com/health/2553967/detail.html * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn