My Parkinson’s Info caught up with Parky a few days ago, and asked him about exercise. Within the publications and studies about exercise and PD, there is still not clear and compelling evidence about that exercise’s protects brain cells.
My Parkinson’s Info: What is your opinion about the point of view that exercise may not be neuroprotective, or that it may only be minimally neuroprotective?
Parky: “When I started riding in 1998 I was riding to control my anxiety levels. But somewhere around 12,000 miles I noticed that my tremor was gone,” said Parky. “In 2004 I tried to ride my 1st RAGBRAI. This year I was told by two members of my team that I look healthier in ‘06 than I did in ‘04. They are both doctors, & one is a neurologist. The members of my team voted me “the most improved rider on our team.”
“Is exercise neuroprotective? You bet!” he exclaims. “I wasn’t able to finish this year’s RAGBRAI, but I have been diagnosed w/PD for 11 years in November; and, I can hold my head proudly, and tell you that I almost finished 6 days, & 385 miles of the ride across Iowa.”
“I ride to give hope to those who suffer with movement disorders, & this year I am proud to say that my trip to the RAGBRAI was co-sponsored by the
PPSG and
The Parkinson’s Institute.”
If you missed the blog on Parky's experience tackling one of the nation's high profile bicycle tours,
click here.
Technorati links: inspirational stories, Parkinson/'s disease,Parkinson's, Parkinson/'s, exercise, Parky, parkinson's
