Parkinsonism

She died at 59

I'm sorry to hear of your mother's passing, @anitaxblack339. Losing a mother is difficult for sure. Was her death recent?

I'd encourage you to post in the Loss/Grief Support Group here on Connect. Here is a link to that group,
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/loss-and-grief-how-are-you-doing/
This is a good place to share memories of your mom with others who have also experienced loss.

I have been disgnosed wiyh Cerebellar Ataxia, and Parkinson’s Disease. I do not have nystagmus not cognitive issues, but I do have symptoms like yours, with trouble swallowing, double vision, and mild tremors. I have other typical Parkinson’s Disease symptoms, and have been on carb/levodopa for 7 years.

I appreciate the information you provided about your Cerebellar Ataxia and Parkinson's diagnoses, @foundryrat743. As you said that you've been taking Carbidopa/Levodopa for seven years, I'm wondering what your most difficult symptoms are right now. Is walking or balance a problem for you?

Yes, balance and walking have been very difficult for me! I’ve had several falls this last year! My neurologist sent me to physical therapy for three months this year, where we worked on balance and walking! We used neuroplasticity exercises, as provided by The Parkinson’s Society, that really helped me, and gave me hope! I’ve regained my walking ability most of the time, and my balance is better! I almost feel like I have a new lease on life! Before therapy, I was shuffling slowly, taking small steps, where I couldn’t make myself go faster, and I was hunched over! I’m doing much better now! Exercise is the key to overcoming stiffness! Thanks for asking!

I'm so glad that PT helped you! I try to engage in regular exercise at least four times a week and also walk when the weather is good. I've found some exercise videos on YouTube which are at no charge and really help. There are many chair exercise videos for seniors on YouTube.

You also mentioned, "neuroplasticity exercises" @foundryrat743. Could you explain a little about what that is? Many of our members would be interested in learning about that.

Does anyone know the difference between Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonian??

You are asking a good question, @anitaxblack339. The Davis Phinney Foundation is a great resource for all matters about Parkinson's. Here is information about the difference between the two disorders,
--Parkinson's vs. Parkinsonism
https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/parkinsons-vs-parkinsonism/
What type of symptoms are you experiencing?

Yes, I use You Tube, Parkinson’s Society chair video exercises, along with a series of exercises, using BIG movements, like opening arms wide, and high, and taking high steps, and swinging arms in a big way! By regularly doing these BIG exercises shown on You Tube, some sponsored by The Parkinson’s Society, it enables one’s brain to retrain. Walking with big, high steps, swinging the arms wide, and lifting legs high, when walking, retrains one’s brain on how to basically walk again, after one has succumbed to the rigidity and stiffness that Parkinson’s Disease can do, to a person. Training with BIG motions like this, on a regular, daily basis, promotes neuroplasticity, where the brains neural pathways configure alternate pathways damaged from Parkinson’s Disease. After 3 months of Physical Therapy, using BIG exercises for walking, along with a number of exercises for balance, I was able to walk, with a normal person’s gait! I was really surprised that these exercises worked so well to retrain my brain! When I thought I wouldn’t be able to control stop taking small steps, and shuffling, where I was slowing down, I found out that my brain has flexibility to train anew, and I am able now, to control my gait, and posture, and I have improved balance! Exercising regularly is the key to success in retraining one’s brain, promoting neuroplasticity!

What a wonderful exercise program you have developed, @foundryrat743! I am so happy that you posted about this. Movement does create new pathways in the brain and helps us to move easier and also think better.

I look forward to your posts as you continue your program. Will you continue to post?