AI has emerged as a powerful tool to enhance monitoring and managing Parkinson’s symptoms more effectively.
During this webcast, Reza Abbasi-Asl, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology at UCSF presents on AI advances for people living with PD and how UCSF researchers use smart phone videos to capture and quantify motor symptoms to provide new clinical insights for personalized treatment.
Bio: Reza is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology and the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences at UCSF. He is a core faculty member at the UCSF Neuroscape Center, a Weill Neurohub Investigator, and the Director of Data Analytics at the UCSF Weill Institute for Neuroscience.
’Tis the season for overindulgence! It’s easy to fall into the habit of eating more and exercising less during the holidays.
During the six-week stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, it’s hard to resist gorging on sugary foods and baked goods, especially when you’re surrounded by sweet treats that are a staple of the holiday season.
If we’re not careful with our food intake and activity levels, we may find ourselves “bursting at the seams” with holiday cheer.
One of the best ways to stay healthy over the holidays is to stay physically active. Exercising on a regular basis not only burns off the extra calories from those gingerbread cookies and boosts our energy levels, it also reduces the stress, anxiety, and depression that can sometimes sneak up on us during the holidays.
Here are a few creative ideas for staying fit during the holiday festivities!
Seek out opportunities to move Ditch the fancy footwear and opt for walking shoes so you can get moving whenever there’s an opportunity. Parking farther away and walking to your destination or taking a few laps around the mall before you start shopping are two great ways to sneak in a little exercise.
Plus, there’s always the option of taking the stairs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in one minute, a 150-pound person burns approximately 10 calories walking upstairs and only 1.5 calories riding an elevator.
If you’re flying during the holidays, use the time in between flights and layovers to fit in some physical activity. Avoid taking the automated people mover whenever possible. Instead of waiting at the gate in boredom, try exploring other terminals at the airport if time permits. You might even find some cool last-minute gifts!
Once you reach your destination, you can instantly burn calories (and earn brownie points) by volunteering to help with the cooking, house chores, and yardwork.
Clean the heck out of your house Speaking of house chores and yardwork, if you’re expecting company this year, you’ll probably have to clean anyway, so why not set aside several hours and really clean your house?
Bending and squatting to put away dishes or scrub hard-to-get spots, walking up and down the stairs repeatedly, folding and putting away laundry – all of these activities burn calories. Visitors with pet, mold, or dust allergies will appreciate the effort as well.
Additionally, you can use all that time prepping holiday meals in the kitchen to throw in some squats, calf raises, or even dancing. Pop a casserole in the oven and head out the door for a walk or jog while it’s baking. That homemade macaroni and cheese will taste so much better after you’ve earned it!
Plan workout sessions ahead of your trip By taking the time to plan ahead, you are making a commitment to yourself to be more active. Setting workout goals in advance increases your chances of following through.
Prior to heading out of town, research where the local gyms are. If you work out at a franchise, chances are you’ll find a branch in your destination city. If not, most gyms offer reasonable day pass rates for non-members and guests.
If you’re traveling to a warmer place, look up local trails and parks and other routes for walking or running. This way, you’re not only fitting in a daily workout, you’re giving yourself a chance to take in some free sightseeing.
Shorten the length of workouts but increase the frequency It’s not like we don’t want to exercise, we’re just too busy during the holidays to fit in our usual 30 to 60-minute gym session, right? Instead of skipping the workout altogether, consider the 10- to 20-minute rule. Running, jogging, and walking are always good exercises to do in short bouts, as are body weight circuits for strength training.
If you want the most bang for your buck, consider high-intensity interval training (HIIT). By alternating between periods of maximum effort and short recovery, these condensed but intense workouts get your heart rate and metabolism revving to burn calories and fat. Plus, HIIT workouts can be done just about anywhere and without any equipment.
Take advantage of the season The holiday season is full of community races and “fun runs” that benefit local causes and charities. These are the 5K runs (3.1 miles) or 1-milers that aren’t super competitive and include walkers of all ages. There is usually a small fee involved, and they’re open to everyone from avid runners to folks who enjoy meandering along the trail with friends.
Bonus: You might get a souvenir t-shirt out of the deal that will bring back fond memories of that time you went on a fun run with friends and family. If your city/town does not have an organized fun run, consider arranging your own informal one with neighbors, family and friends to raise money or awareness for a charity of your choice.
Build activity into family visits and outings You can still enjoy activities as a family while getting some exercise. Encourage visitors to bring workout clothes suitable for walking on nature trails or perhaps for doing activities at a local health club like yoga classes or racquetball.
If you are spending time with children, organize a game of dodgeball, freeze-tag, hide-and-seek. Why not go outside and build a snowman or have a snowball fight? Even playing with a toddler or chasing them around the house can get your heart rate and metabolism going.
Join a fitness group Check out one of our Fitness Partners to find a fitness network in your area that will connect you to others with Parkinson’s. Or find a workout buddy to build in accountability. Strong social connections increase immune system function and reduce stress and anxiety in people with chronic diseases. They may help stave off depression and enhance day-to-day function in people with PD.
November 2024
The Brian Grant Foundation and Davis Phinney Foundation applaud the final rule of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banning the manufacture, processing, distribution, import, and disposal of trichloroethylene (TCE). As stated by the EPA, TCE presents an unreasonable risk to human health, including up to a 500% increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. As organizations that care deeply about the Parkinson’s community that we serve, we are alarmed by the unprecedented growth in the number of people living with the disease. Banning TCE is an important step to addressing this unprecedented growth and we are hopeful that it provides a path to banning other harmful chemicals linked to Parkinson’s disease, including paraquat.
Part of living well with Parkinson’s disease is to put your brain through some regular workouts as much as your body. Engaging in activities that stimulate the brain can help improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and even slow the progression of symptoms.
We looked into several online “brain games” that may offer some fun while doing some cognitive calisthenics. We also included a list of popular games that don’t require a screen and add the opportunity to socialize to double the benefit!
ONLINE COGNITIVE GAMES AND EXERCISES
CogniFit: This platform offers a variety of games and assessments tailored to improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and reasoning. It provides personalized training programs that adapt to the user’s performance.
SuperBetter: Developed by game designer Jane McGonigal, SuperBetter is designed to build personal resilience and achieve health goals through gameful challenges. It encourages users to stay curious, optimistic, and motivated.
NeuronUP: This platform offers cognitive stimulation activities specifically designed for individuals with neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s. It provides exercises targeting memory, attention, and executive functions.
Sporcle: A trivia website that offers mentally stimulating quizzes across various topics, which can help sharpen wits and provide entertainment.
NeuroNation: This app provides a range of brain training exercises aimed at improving cognitive performance. It offers personalized training plans and tracks progress over time.
Lumosity: A randomized study involving 4,715 participants assessed Lumosity’s impact on cognitive functions. Participants trained five days per week for 15 minutes each day. After 10 weeks, those using Lumosity showed greater improvements in working memory, short-term memory, processing speed, problem-solving, fluid reasoning, and overall cognitive function compared to a control group performing online crossword puzzles. However, the study noted that more research is needed to determine the connection between improved assessment scores and everyday tasks in participants’ lives.
BrainHQ: Developed by Posit Science, BrainHQ has been the subject of multiple studies. A 2017 systematic review identified BrainHQ as one of the few programs with high-quality evidence supporting its efficacy in enhancing cognitive functions in healthy older adults. The review highlighted that BrainHQ had multiple peer-reviewed studies demonstrating its effectiveness.
Elevate: While specific studies on Elevate are limited, a 2021 article from Mayo Clinic Connect mentioned that brain-training apps like Elevate may have a mild to moderate effect on improving memory and other types of thinking in older adults with age-related cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment. However, the article also noted that there’s no substantial evidence that these apps can prevent or slow cognitive decline.
Peak: A 2019 study led by Professor Barbara Sahakian at the University of Cambridge investigated the effects of the game “Decoder,” available on Peak. The study found that participants who played Decoder showed improvements in attention and focus compared to control groups. However, the study emphasized the need for larger-scale randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings.
Providing checkers and chess for Parkinson’s patients is an essential form of therapy. It’s best for those who suffer from this chronic movement disorder. These classic board games can offer significant neurological benefits. It’s because of stimulating strategic problem-solving play.
By nurturing the brain with these activities, patients can enhance neural connections. And they remain engaged in meaningful pursuits throughout their lives.
In this way, checkers and chess provide a form of cognitive therapy. It can help improve motor skills and battle some of the disease’s negative effects.
2. Poker
Poker for Parkinson’s patients could be one of the best games for the aging brain. This activity has been shown to help improve reaction time and fine motor skills. Thus, it works in an enjoyable, mentally stimulating way. Group poker games also offer an opportunity for socialization among other Parkinson’s patients.
And it all provides a safe setting. Poker for Parkinson’s patients helps to increase cognition and focus. And it also reduces symptoms such as movement difficulties and muscle rigidity. Participants come away from each gaming session feeling more fulfilled and connected. And it leaves them with a sense of hope.
3. BlackJack
BlackJack for Parkinson’s patients is a form of therapy. It encourages physical activity and promotes cognitive awareness. By shaking the hand-held gaming control, users can relearn necessary motor skills for the game.
Practicing these movements supports greater mobility and improved coordination over time. This therapy also stimulates mental activity with challenging strategies to win. By providing enjoyment and relief from symptoms, BlackJack for Parkinson’s patients is transforming the lives of individuals and their families.
4. Scrabble
For those suffering from Parkinson’s, playing board games can be a fun activity for patients. It’s an engaging reprieve from the effects of their condition. Not only does it bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to many who grew up with the game. But it also provides patients with some intellectually stimulating challenges.
They can encourage cognitive stimulation. Playing games like Scrabble can help improve communication and language development. At the same time, it also provides an avenue for socialization among friends and family. Equally important is how Scrabble forces patients to consider their strategic decisions carefully. And ultimately build on existing decision-making skills.
5. Puzzles
Puzzles can be an effective therapy for Parkinson’s patients. They serve as a distraction. And they allow individuals to focus on the task at hand instead of symptoms like:
Tremors
Difficulty moving
And it helps with cognitive processes that are often impaired in Parkinson’s.
Not only puzzles are enjoyable and potentially stress-relieving for people with the condition. They also aid in both short and long-term memory retention. Puzzles may even ease social interaction among caregivers and loved ones of those affected by Parkinson’s disease. This makes puzzles an excellent choice for patients to build their skills.
6. Memory-Matching Card Games
Memory-matching card games can be an effective therapeutic intervention for Parkinson’s patients. These games help to increase mental stimulation and seniors’ memory. Also, they provide an entertaining and interactive way to maintain cognitive functioning. Challenging patients to remember and match items from the cards encourages better engagement with the brain and helps with recall.
It is believed that regular activity can work to improve Parkinson’s disease symptoms. And playing memory-matching card games is one example. People suffering from the condition can cultivate a healthier lifestyle while having fun.
7. Charades
Charades can be an effective tool to help patients with Parkinson’s disease. Acting out words and phrases can help stimulate the brains of these individuals. And it improves cognition and communication skills. This type of rehabilitation also has the added benefit of aiding in social interaction, which many living with Parkinson’s may lack.
Also, it can provide a much-needed social outlet. And it is fun and engaging for everyone involved. Physician supervisors should explore their options regarding incorporating charades into therapy sessions for their Parkinson’s patients to see if this creative form of rehabilitation benefits them.
8. Solitaire
Playing solitaire card games for Parkinson’s patients is a great way to:
Find comfort and distraction
Strengthen fine motor skills, such as coordination and precision
Find a sense of accomplishment
9. Simon Says
Simon Says is one of the best games for the aging brains for people with Parkinson’s disease.
It combines:
Vocal commands delivered by the trainer
Physical movement
Mental agility to challenge the brain’s neural pathways and help them stay connected
With “Simon Says” mechanics, people with Parkinson’s like to follow verbal instructions. And at the same time, their motor skills do various physical activities. Memory and coordination can be greatly improved with regular Simon Say exercises. It makes it an essential tool in helping manage the condition.
10. Word Puzzles
Word puzzles help people with Parkinson’s Disease maintain their cognitive abilities. Research has shown that providing a stimulating environment for individuals living with Parkinson’s can help slow the progression of their symptoms.
With word puzzles, Parkinson’s patients can keep mentally sharp. And they remain mentally active, which helps preserve cognitive functioning. Word puzzles provide an entertaining activity. And it allows patients to relax while also stimulating their mental capacities. By offering these activities, we can create a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.
People with Parkinson’s often experience social isolation, depression, and anxiety. In this presentation we learn about social prescribing from Dr. Indu Subramanian, a Clinical Professor at UCLA. Dr. Subramanian will help us understand the science behind how vital social interaction is for improving mood, reducing feelings of loneliness, and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals with PD.
Dr. Subramanian is board certified in integrative medicine. She received her medical degree from the University of Toronto, Canada. She did her neurology residency and movement disorders fellowship training at UCLA. Dr. Subramanian has stayed on at UCLA and is now a clinical professor of neurology. She’s passionate about studying palliative care and the effects of loneliness on people living with Parkinson’s.
November 7, 2024 – Portland, OR
It was an honor to celebrate this year’s growth in support and programmatic engagement with our key supporters during our 3rd Annual State of the Organization and Appreciation event last night. Many thanks to those who could join us and equal appreciation to all who continue to fund our mission to empower people impacted by Parkinson’s disease to lead active and fulfilling lives.
Portland, OR, October 16, 2024
We had a wonderful gathering with the Parkinson’s community at the Olympia Theatre in the amazing Serena Williams building on the Nike campus to view the Parkinson’s documentary, The Only Day We Have.
We were honored to have Austin-based filmmaker Vanessa Reiser share her experience making the film, and to have producer Allan Cole, Keri Shaw, and Brian Grant, featured in the film, speak about their journey with young onset Parkinson’s disease.
Much appreciation to Ben York, and all members of their Disability Network for supporting PD awareness and hosting this event. Special thanks to Dejene and Megan Taye for facilitating and connecting us all!
Documentary screeningKatrina Kahl greeting crowdKeri Shaw with Brian GrantAllan Cole with Vanessa ReiserFull Olympia theatre at NikeAustin contingencyFirst BGF Hood to Coast membersKeri Shaw with Jay FrayenseeBrian and friendsVanessa Williams Building – NikeBrian with Amneal friends Chellsea and GenevieveOlympia Theatre – Nike
Constipation can be a challenging symptom of Parkinson’s, but did you know that exercise routine and even positioning on the toilet can help get things moving? Physical therapists and dieticians can assist in making adjustments to your daily routines and diet to make a difference when it comes to bathroom hygiene.
Sandi Gallagher, P.T., W.C.S., Physical Therapist at the OHSU Rehabilitation Clinic and Jelena Etemovic, MS, RDN, Registered Dietician with Aya Healthcare, present comprehensive approaches applying dietary and body-focused strategies.
Congressman Greg Casar Leads 46 Members of Congress to Demand EPA Bans Use of Paraquat to Protect Public Health
Congressman Greg Casar Leads 46 Members of Congress to Demand EPA Bans Use of Paraquat to Protect Public Health
Herbicide linked to serious, long term health risks including Parkinson’s disease
Golfers are already protected, farmworkers and rural Americans should be too
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) and 46 other Members of Congress are calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ban the use of an herbicide, Paraquat, in the U.S. to protect public health. Paraquat is already banned in over 70 countries.
The Members of Congress released a letter today urging EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan to protect farm workers, rural Americans, and the environment from the harmful effects of Paraquat and ban the use of the herbicide in the U.S. Exposure to the herbicide is linked to life threatening diseases like Parkinson’s disease and thyroid cancer, and linked to an increase in soil and water pollution.
“Paraquat is a toxic substance linked to life threatening diseases and grave impacts on the environment — it has been banned in dozens of countries and should be banned in the United States,” the members wrote. “We urge the EPA to change course and deliver critical protections for farmworkers, agricultural communities, and the environment by banning Paraquat.”
The EPA has already banned Paraquat for areas such as golf courses and recreational areas. If Paraquat is too dangerous for golfers, it is too dangerous for farm workers and rural Americans. Nearly 70 countries have banned or discontinued the use of Paraquat, including China, Brazil, the European Union, and Canada.
The letter is led by U.S. Representative Greg Casar (TX-35), and signed by U.S. RepresentativesAlma Adams (NC-12), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-01), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Al Green (TX-09), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Barbara Lee (CA-12), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Katie Porter (CA-47), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).
It is endorsed by the Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, American Sustainable Business Network, Beyond Pesticides, the Brian Grant Foundation, Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Food Safety, the Davis Phinney Foundation, Earthjustice, Ecological Landscape Alliance, Environmental Working Group, Friends of the Earth, Green New Deal Network, HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Labor) Food Alliance, GreenLatinos, Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!), League of Conservation Voters, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Parkinson Association of Alabama, Parkinson Association of Northern California, PD Avengers (Global Alliance to End Parkinson’s Disease Assn.), Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network (PAN), Pesticide Action Network, Power for Parkinson’s, Power Over Parkinson’s, the Rachel Carson Council, Re:wild Your Campus, Rural Coalition, United Farm Workers (UFW), and the United Farm Workers Foundation (UFWF).
“The people who feed us should not face twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease,” said Geoff Horsfield, policy director for the Environmental Working Group (EWG). “President Biden’s EPA should put the people who feed us ahead of the profits of a pesticide company that hid the risks of paraquat for decades. Seventy countries have banned paraquat, so we know that farmers have plenty of safer options. We are grateful to Rep. Casar for his leadership in protecting farmers and farmworkers.”
“More than 1 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s disease, the second most common and fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world,” said Ted Thompson, senior vice president of public policy at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “With only about 30 percent of Parkinson’s risk explained by genetics, we know that other factors — including environmental risks like exposure to toxic chemicals — can play a role in the development of the disease. We appreciate Representative Casar’s efforts to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency is doing all it can to protect Americans from the harms associated with exposure to these toxins.”
“Every day across America, farm workers, as well as their families and communities, are exposed to Paraquat – a dangerous chemical known to cause severe health impacts,” said Teresa Romero, president of UFW. “We commend Congressman Casar for fighting to ensure that every worker is safe on the job and we call on the EPA to listen to the concerns of the people who put food on all of our tables.”
“The UFW Foundation supports the banning of Paraquat, a chemical whose exposure puts the lives of hundreds of thousands of farm workers at risk,” said Erica Lomeli, interim chief executive officer of the UFW Foundation. “Farm workers deserve a safe environment free from harmful substances that can impact not only their health but also the well-being of their families. Not only is Paraquat dangerous for farm workers, but it also poses significant risks to consumers who may ingest produce treated with this pesticide.”
“We thank Rep. Casar and his colleagues for their leadership in urging the EPA to finally remove this dangerous chemical from the market,” said Lorette Picciano, executive director of the Rural Coalition. “We have heard from far too many farmers, ranchers and workers in communities we serve who have developed Parkinsons and other diseases. The devastating cost to their lives and health, families and communities far outweigh any possible benefit of Paraquat’s continued use.”
Congressman Greg Casar represents Texas’s 35th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which runs down I-35 from East Austin to Hays County to the West Side of San Antonio. A labor organizer and son of Mexican immigrants, Casar serves as the Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 118th Congress. He also serves on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Agriculture.
