2. Taking On Parkinson’s Disease With Boxing Gloves | Dr. Melita Petrossian

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease today doesn’t mean the same as it did even just a few years ago. There have been nine new medications for Parkinson’s disease and its related symptoms in the past five years, and we are understanding the importance of lifestyle now more than ever. People with Parkinson’s disease can make lifestyle changes that can slow the disease, and even improve their condition. Chief among them is exercise. Not just hitting the treadmill but doing new things that challenge both the brain and body at the same time. Movement disorders specialist Dr. Melita Petrossian is a big fan of boxing. Not getting in the ring, but working out with gloves and a bag, or with a partner wearing mitts. It’s an energizing dynamic activity that requires work with both the hands and the feet. Don’t care to box? Try dance. It, too, might form new neural connections in the brain and help keep Parkinson’s progression at bay. For more information: pacificneuro.org | pacificbraintumor.org | (310) 829-8265 Related Links: A PNI Minute: Parkinson’s disease and neuroplasticity APDA (https://www.apdaparkinson.org)