Hi, I’ve had a diagnosis for 4+ years and am a great believer in excercise for improving motor and non-motor symptoms. I walked the Coast to Coast route in 2017 when my motor symptoms were easily manageable. More recently I did the Hadrian’s Wall walk in May: I had more issues to deal with but found that my medication worked better as the week continued and I felt good for a week after. I plan to walk part of the pilgrimage route in northern Spain called The Camino, in May next year. I used both walks to raise funds for Parkinson’s research.
I also cycle several times a week, either on a stationary bike or out on the road. I have to pay careful attention to my medication when riding on the road as I sometimes have balance issues, but I can still average 16-17 mph for up to 1 hour 40 minutes.
I recently attended a talk by an Italian neurologist called Nicola Modugno who advocates a varied excercise regime including swimming, running, dancing, theatre and meditation which he maintains, promotes neuro-plasticity which in turn improves motor/non-motor symptoms and general well-being. I intend setting myself physical and mental challenges as long as possible as I am sure that this helps slow progression: what’s more it’s fun and we all need that!