Hello John.c
My apologies for not responding to your post before now but better late than never.
Exercise along with medication, is the key to managing Parkinson’s symptoms and it was nice to hear that you have been exercising since your diagnosis with good results. I am not in a position to answer your question directly but I can categorically state that regular exercise has definitely made a difference to my own Parkinsons.
Parkinson’s progresses slowly in most people and as you are finding. does not impact on your life in any significant way in the early days. I was diagnosed 15 years ago and have, at various times, posted to the forum about the challenges I faced in trying to find an exercise routine that suited me (If you are interested this is a link to one of my posts, there are others Exercise and Parkinson’s )
Ultimately I opted for a personal trainer who comes to my flat. I have been working with her for over three years and the results far exceeded anything I could possibly have dreamed of. When I started I had no high expectations my goal was simply to develop a strong core and keep what function I had. That was it, That is certainly not the case today. I am fitter and stronger than I have probably ever been but the key change is how much my mindset has changed. I’m no longer content just to maintain what I have - now I look to improve and challenge myself and am frequently amazed at what I have achieved. I didn’t expect to be doing this well so long after my diagnosis
.
For me the three things that help manage Parkinson’s symptoms and give the best hope to slow progression are medication, exeercise and keeping positive - all are of equal importance in my book. I wish you well in your own Parkinson’s journey .
Best wishes
Tot