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Category: Parkinsons

What Is Vascular (Multi-Infarct) Parkinsonism?

Posted on by Landtiser

With the recent passing of former President George H.W. Bush, whose cause of death was listed as “vascular parkinsonism”, many of my fighters are asking me, “What Is Vascular Parkinson’s?”

Vascular (or “multi-infarct”) Parkinson’s is a form of “atypical parkinsonism” in which Parkinson’s symptoms (slow movements, tremor, difficulty with walking and balance, stiffness, and rigidity) are produced by one or more small strokes, rather than by a gradual loss of nerve cells as seen in the more typical neurodegenerative Parkinson’s disease. Typical Parkinson’s is usually considered idiopathic or of unknown cause.

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Why Families with Parkinson’s Need at Least 8 Hugs a Day

Posted on by Landtiser

As a coach, I share plenty of hugs with my fighters and dancers, in addition to my sweet husband. After watching everyone hugging each other at our Parkinson’s year-end party last Saturday night, it made me think… love is a miracle drug. It is such a powerful healing tool. I was able to find some research to support the obvious feeling of joy we get when we receive and give loving affection to people. Continue reading “Why Families with Parkinson’s Need at Least 8 Hugs a Day”

How Singing Can Benefit People with Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on by Landtiser

The performers in our PD Rebel Performance Project group already know that singing and dancing are a magic bullet for improved mood and quality of life, but it’s nice to know there is growing research to back up our good vibrations.

Artists don’t need research to convince them that they feel better when they are creating. We do it because it makes us feel wonderful. I do not have PD, but I need my time with my dancers to feel complete.

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The Monroy Family: 3 Generations Fighting “Together”

Posted on by Landtiser

This amazing family has been a part of our program for years. They always come to class ready to help with smiles on their faces, and are ready to push the fighters with tough love. I wanted to spotlight the Monroy Family: 3 Generations Fighting “Together”.

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Parkinson’s Exercise Classes are the Right MOVE for Depression and Anxiety

Posted on by Landtiser

My fighters often comment on how good they feel after our classes. The fighter’s families notice that their mood is so much better on the days that their loved one attends. This positive impact is not just experienced by people with Parkinson’s, but by any person or animal… we are meant to be with others and moving!

This is why when someone says, “I am going to try this on my own first”, I will say, “Sure, you can do this on your own. But will you stick with it? And if you do, are your results going to be the same?” I’ve seen it happen so many times. These individuals don’t continue exercising, and their results aren’t the same. They come back to me and always agree that it’s just not the same as being in class. Continue reading “Parkinson’s Exercise Classes are the Right MOVE for Depression and Anxiety”