LEBANON, N.H. (WCAX) – Health experts say there are many benefits to dancing, from losing weight and staying in shape to improving mobility and mood. And for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, dance provides other key benefits.
Dick Roy and his Wife Bobbi love to dance.
“I like holding my wife and dancing, and it’s social,” Dick said. But after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease eight years ago, movement doesn’t come easy for the Woodstock resident. “As far as ballroom dancing and that sort of thing, I can’t do it anymore because I can’t keep my time.”
“The hallmark of Parkinson’s is bradykinesia, which is the slowness of movements and it’s also usually accompanied by rigidity,” said Dr. Mary Feldman with Dartmouth Health.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that causes uncontrollable movements, shaking, and difficulty with balance and coordination. But doctors say dancing and other exercise can help. “We have a lot of research that shows exercise does slow down the disease and it also empowers the patient. It puts them in charge,” Feldman said.
“I think it makes our week. It makes us feel good to see everyone having such a great time,” Diane said.
“How much it means to them, what it’s done for their week, what it’s down for their relationships — things like that — and how it’s improved their lives,” Richard added.
The program is modeled on a national program called Dance for PD. The participants will be performing at a symposium for Parkinson’s researchers that Dartmouth Health is hosting on Friday.
“Well, it gets the timing back a little bit, and it’s exercise,” Roy said.
Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s, there are medicines and surgical treatments that can relieve some symptoms. And this group will tell you, dancing can also be just what the doctor ordered.