Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical directly linked to movement, motivation, and addiction. Parkinson’s is a chronic and slowly progressive disease, and its progression differs for everyone.
There is no standard diagnostic test for Parkinson’s. Rather, the diagnosis relies on clinical information provided by the patient and the findings of a neurological exam administered by an internal medicine physician or neurologist. If testing for Parkinson’s, try to be as specific as possible about any symptoms you may be experiencing.
While the cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, there is no cure, and the symptoms of the disease typically worsen over time. The Charles Kaempffer Parkinson’s Program at CentraState helps patients better manage the challenges associated with symptoms through medications and physical therapy.
PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAMS
The LSVT LOUD® (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment LOUD) program is designed to improve voice volume, intonation, facial expression, and articulation.
The voice treatment consists of four weeks of rigorous speech therapy, entailing one-hour sessions per week, with the goal of increasing patient’s voice and speech abilities.
These sessions stress the idea of “thinking loud in order to speak loud” and uses exaggerated motions and behaviors. Through video documentation, the patient’s loudness is measured through a series of voice exercises using a decibel sound meter. Targeting the vocal chords is a way of expanding the patient’s capability of speaking more fluently despite the conditions of Parkinson’s.
To learn more about LSVT LOUD® call 732-294-2700.
Rock Steady Boxing is designed specifically for people with this degenerative movement disorder to help with motor skills, balance, speech, and sensory function. The program is tailored to the fitness levels of all stages of Parkinson’s—from newly diagnosed to those who’ve been living with it for years. The exercises in the program help patients improve agility, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination and overall strength. The program incorporates non-contact boxing, stretching, bicycling, running, jump roping, push-ups, and balancing.
The Rock Steady program meets twice per week and is led by certified trainers/coaches. One class is based on an individual’s specific abilities and the other is a group class open to all individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Rock Steady Boxing serves both men and women of all ages and levels of ability.
A physician’s referral is required to get started. For more information about the Rock Steady program, call 732-294-2700.
CentraState’s Fitness and Wellness Center offers group exercise programs up to three times per week. The Parkinson’s Wellness Program consists of supervised exercise and group support designed to help you improve your function, quality of life and more effectively manage symptoms commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease, such as stiffness, immobility and gait abnormalities.
Terry's Story
Terry's Story
Terry Marcus enjoyed playing baseball in his younger days and now loves to toss a ball around with his grandson. But while America’s favorite pastime is near and dear to his heart, it’s boxing – among other therapies – that’s helping Terry in the fight of his life. Terry, an 83-year-old Old Bridge resident, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in...Read More >
Helen's Story
Helen's Story
Helen Yorke’s life has been defined by her love of running. The Manalapan resident was the state champion in the 1960s in the half-mile and was a high school track coach for years. In fact, when she had a severe heart attack 10 years ago, her doctor said she survived it because of her commitment to cardio. So when she...Read More >
Lydia's Story
Lydia's Story
Lydia Arana, 79, is a soft-spoken woman, living with Parkinson’s disease but not willing to let it keep her down. The Matawan resident was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disease in 2007 and has lived with fluctuating levels of intense tremors for years, but last year she started the LSVT BIG & LOUD Parkinson’s programs at CentraState. It’s a tough...Read More >
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