Parkinson’s disease occurs when there is decreased dopamine production in the brain, which makes it difficult for the brain to coordinate muscle movements. Lower dopamine levels can also lead to mood and cognitive issues later on for someone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Symptoms
Symptoms of Parkinson’s usually are mild and then worsen over time. Some of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s include:

• Tremors that affect the face, jaw, legs, arms, and hands
• Slow and stiff walking
• Balance issues
• Lack of coordination
• Stiff feeling in arms, legs and torso
• Handwriting changes

As time goes on, symptoms worsen and include

• Depression
• Gastrointestinal issues (constipation)
• Urination problems
• Trouble chewing and swallowing food
• Memory loss
• Hallucinations
• Dementia
• Weight loss

How can Riverside help?
Riverside Health Fitness Center offers Neurofit – a specialty fitness program designed for those diagnosed with a movement disorder including but not limited to:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Essential Tremors
• Dystonia
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) and PWR! Moves are both part of Riverside Health Fitness Center’s Neurofit programming and are geared toward those with a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Both of these classes include programming that aims at improving motor function and overall quality of life for participants. For more information about RSB or any of the other Neurofit programs offered at the Riverside Health Fitness Center, visit our website or call (815) 929-1200.