New Diagnosis Workshop: Living Well with Parkinson's and Panel Q&A (2021)

In this webinar, Drs. Jonathan Squires and Melissa Mackenzie, along with physiotherapist Michelle McCarthy from the Movement Disorders Clinic at the UBC Centre for Brain Health, underscored the significance of exercise in the comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with Parkinson's disease. They emphasized its benefits in improving physical fitness, balance, flexibility, and bone health, as well as its role in reducing stiffness, fatigue, and the risk of falls.

The session recommended adherence to the Canadian physical activity guidelines, incorporating various exercise options such as aerobic, strengthening, balance, flexibility, and core muscle exercises, with a focus on individual preferences and gradual progression. The speakers stressed the importance of setting realistic goals, seeking support from both professionals and personal networks, and prioritizing safety and enjoyment to ensure a well-managed life with Parkinson's.

Furthermore, the webinar highlighted the need for proactive information-seeking, personalized assessments for exercise recommendations and walking aids, and informed discussions regarding medication, particularly levodopa's complex relationship with constipation. It also addressed the unpredictable nature of Parkinson's symptoms, including the asymmetry and onset of tremors, attributing them to the brain's progressive changes over time.

View the video slides accompanying this presentation by clicking here.

**Disclaimer: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. The information conveyed in this recording was accurate at the time of presentation.**