Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease of the substantia nigra, an area in the basal ganglia of the brain. About 2% of the population develops the disease some time during life, though the mean age at onset is 58-60. Symptoms usually begin in the upper extremities, and are usually unilateral (one-sided) or asymmetrical at onset.

Regular physical exercise and/or therapy are beneficial to the patient and essential for maintaining and improving mobility, flexibility, balance and range of motion, and for a better resistance against many of the secondary symptoms and side effects. There is increasing evidence that exercise is both neuroprotective against the development of Parkinson's disease, and also ameliorative of both severity of symptoms, and also possibly of progression. Additional exercise modalities such as Aquatic Therapy Treatment Program may also hold promise as rehabilitation therapies.

For more information about Programs and Services Walton offers, or to make a referral, call (706) 724-7746.