Waiting for a Magic Pill: By now, most of... - Cure Parkinson's

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Waiting for a Magic Pill

jimcaster profile image
64 Replies

By now, most of us are familiar with multiple studies which have consistently demonstrated that high intensity exercise slows or perhaps even STOPS THE PROGRESSION of Parkinson's disease.

This morning, I was lamenting the apparent inability of researchers to simply create a pill which replicates the chemical or biological processes which result from high intensity exercise. I'm not a scientist, but how hard can it be? 😜

Then it dawned on me: Why am I waiting so impatiently for a magic pill when a nearly free treatment is readily available? I'm going to the gym and I'm going to pedal as fast as I can pedal for 42 minutes and, as much as I dislike going, I'm going to leave feeling like a million bucks, knowing that I am slowing or stopping Parkinson's. If the studies are right, this is BETTER THAN A PILL. It's almost free, it helps more than just PD, and there are no side effects!

I know we're all in different stages, ages, and places, but I hope you will commit to exercising as vigorously as you can at least three times per week. We need not wait for a magic pill.

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jimcaster profile image
jimcaster
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64 Replies
JAS9 profile image
JAS9

Totally with you. I've been walking/jogging for 18 months and I couldn't be happier with the results (well, obviously I could be happier, but still... much better!) Plus, I don't have to get to the gym; the outdoors is just out my door. As a friend tells me: "The best exercise is the one you'll actually do."

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to JAS9

I like walking and do that almost everyday between 7-10 km.

JAS9 profile image
JAS9 in reply to Kia17

Haha, you beat me! I walk/jog about 5 km (a little over 3 miles) a day. Takes me about an hour. Up and down some good hills though. It's not just the exercise - I really love getting out there and seeing trees, butterflies, and birds, etc. I do have a treadmill for rainy or hot days but try to get outside whenever I can.

This may sound crazy to some, but when I get going, I can skip like a kid, and even spin around while I walk! The other day, I was on a grassy small hill and I sprinted down it. Felt wonderful! I don't suggest anyone try it unless you're willing to take a tumble. I didn't, but made sure I was on grass just in case. :)

BTW, I'm 61 and my dx was 10 years ago. Even though I have PD, I seriously doubt many of the kids I went to HS with are in as good a shape.

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to JAS9

Excellent! I live in Northwest Wisconsin. Until this week, the weather has not been conducive to outdoor exercise, but I agree that outdoors is even better than indoors when it's possible. Keep it up!

munchybunch profile image
munchybunch

My husband has been doing a lot of gym work recently and says he hadn’t felt better in years!!

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to munchybunch

Excellent! I've said it often, but intense exercise seems to be the best thing we can do for ourselves.

Kia17 profile image
Kia17

Keep it up Jim. I will also be sitting on my bike for Sprint Tomorrow at 9.30. I have been doing it for a couple of years and it has greatly helped.

bdphillips profile image
bdphillips in reply to Kia17

Sprint?

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to bdphillips

Yes, Sprint

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to Kia17

Keep it up, Kia! As you know, you inspire and encourage me a lot!

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to jimcaster

Thank you Jim.

sleezy profile image
sleezy

Be careful if you have balance problems.

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to sleezy

Good advice! But, let's all do what the most we safely can. I gave up the treadmill (temporarily, I hope) in favor of the stationary bike because toe curling made running difficult.

Dehlia profile image
Dehlia in reply to jimcaster

Same here with C/L toe curling.

I take Mucuna Puriens. Not as effective with tremor. But after spin tremor goes away. Occasionally I’ll take one 25/100 C/L in the morning and M/P the rest of the day.

7/8 yrs. withPD. I’m 70.

Tmarsella profile image
Tmarsella in reply to Dehlia

Do you take the MP in capsules or powder and what dosage?

Dehlia profile image
Dehlia in reply to Tmarsella

1000mgs. Capsule

Tmarsella profile image
Tmarsella in reply to Dehlia

1000mg how many times daily and what time between capsules. Time of last one before bed. I take RYTARY 495 3-4 a day with MP 350 mg caps. between RYTARY when "off " . Start meds at 6am and stop at 6pm. Thanks. Tom from California.

Dehlia profile image
Dehlia in reply to Tmarsella

Rytary 2Xday. Each X one 23/95 pill.

One Rasagiline 1 mg. AM. Mucuna

1000mgs during the day. B1 1000mgs. 2Xday.

Tmarsella profile image
Tmarsella in reply to Dehlia

Thanks. Do live near Juillard ? Grandson there now.

Dehlia profile image
Dehlia in reply to Tmarsella

My niece is at Julliard💃🏼

I work for the NY Peninsula Hotel on 55th and 5th.

JoeKev profile image
JoeKev in reply to Dehlia

Check that Geoffrey.

JoeKev profile image
JoeKev in reply to JoeKev

I used to be Dehlia.

Tmarsella profile image
Tmarsella in reply to Dehlia

Grandson's name is Nick Marsella, masters in composition at Juillard. Have your niece try locating him. -Tom

AaronS profile image
AaronS

Great post Jimbo, your so spot on. I'm gunna go for a ride on my bike now....thanks mate

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to AaronS

Keep after it! If there was a magic pill conferring the benefits of high intensity exercise, every single person on this forum would be taking it. 😊

dalev profile image
dalev

Been there done it worked quite well I was51 when diagnosed im know 67 the brain sAys yes but the body says no the harder I try the more pain I take 7. Carb/lev a day but I had to give up Riding my bike no more balance issues but I do 7 miles every other day on my stationary bicycle any movement is

Good let’s face it what are. Are choices!

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to dalev

Congratulations for continuing to exercise after 16 years with this! You inspire me!

Dehlia profile image
Dehlia

I’m going to spin class regularly.

I thought my instructor was to aggressive but I’m the only parky and welcome the discipline.

I decided to go on a weekend to a different instructor. He was harder.

I tried to keep up for 55 minutes.

Long story short It paid off. I realized I can push myself more.

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to Dehlia

Congratulations! When I'm a sweaty mess and feel like quitting a little early, I remind myself that PD won't quit so I've got to pedal even faster and longer to fight back. I want many more quality years with kids and hopefully grandkids some day. It's the best possible motivation for me.

nldr18 profile image
nldr18

Thank you Jim Caster for your post, which I think will push me to the next level of exercise. It’s optimism Is much welcomed and reminds us that there is something we can do about this confounding diagnosis that’s in our own hands and feet.

🙏🏻

Natasha

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to nldr18

If high intensity exercise came in pill form, the founders would be billionaires! I was never very athletic and I dread working out, but I religiously work out three times per week. I liken it to kidney dialysis. Not necessarily fun, but necessary for survival. I do get a positive "rush" when I am done. I don't know if it is dopamine or endorphins or just the belief that I am doing everything I can to stay well. In any case, I started before formally being diagnosed because I researched everything I could find regarding PD and high intensity exercise seems to be the only universally accepted way to slow or stop progression. Congratulations on your commitment to exercise!

NanCyclist profile image
NanCyclist

Check out the new website for pedalingforparkinsons.org to confirm . your determination.

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to NanCyclist

Thanks, Nan! You are an inspiration to me -- and countless others! 😊

NanCyclist profile image
NanCyclist in reply to jimcaster

I think we all do our best and that is good enough.

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to NanCyclist

I think people like you, Nan, have inspired me to actually do more than I otherwise might have done. I know for sure that this forum encourages and inspires me almost every day. All of us, whether PwP or not, benefit from the encouragement and example of others facing the same challenges.

Springfield78 profile image
Springfield78 in reply to jimcaster

Thanks, Jim! Your peptalk was just what I needed!

Springfield78 profile image
Springfield78 in reply to NanCyclist

Reading your book! Wonderful inspiration! Thank you! I will continue to push forward and appreciate your sharing with us!

NanCyclist profile image
NanCyclist in reply to Springfield78

Thanks. I'm glad you're finding the book helpful. That's what I hoped for when I wrote it..

bdphillips profile image
bdphillips

Well said! This has been my philosophy for the last year and a half. I'm thinking that I need to increase my intensity because I'm progressing slowly but really stiff from all the exercise. Who has seen definitive results and how often, how long and how intense are you exercising?

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to bdphillips

I ride a stationary bike three times per week. I divide my 42 minute workout into two 21 minute segments separated by a two minute break. Each 21 minute segment is divided into seven 3 minute segments in which I alternate between a minimum of 90 and 110 RPM (revolutions per minute). I can literally wring out my T-shirt at the end of each session.

bdphillips profile image
bdphillips in reply to jimcaster

Thanks for your reply. I definitely need to step it up!

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to bdphillips

Do what you can do safely, but go as intensely as you would if a tiger was chasing you, because it is...

NanCyclist profile image
NanCyclist in reply to bdphillips

bd, A lot depends on the individual. The research from Dr. Alberts et al, tells us to ride our cycles for 3 hours a week at 80-90 rpm. It's actually 10 min. warm up at about 60 rpm, 40 min at 80-90 rpm and 10 minutes of cool down. Lower the . resistance on the the bike, even to zero to try to do the rpm. Take breaks as needed and work up to the goal, then increase the resistance. I had positive responses within a month when I started at age 63. Now, at age 73, it's much harder. I don't beat myself up. I just try to do it every day and I don't always make that goal either. Just don't quit. You can do this.

bdphillips profile image
bdphillips in reply to NanCyclist

Thanks for the details and encouragement!

AmyLindy profile image
AmyLindy in reply to bdphillips

Ditto!

Despe profile image
Despe

Hello Jim,

My husband and I have been exercising all of our lives. I believe because of his life long physical fitness activities, his PD was delayed to show his ugly face till his late 60s. Of course, we continue to walk at least 3 miles every other day. Exercising is not just for PwP but for everyone. Best medicine around!

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to Despe

Keep it up! If the positive effects of exercise for PwP came in the form of a pill, it would be heralded in every newspaper and newsroom around the world. 😊

Southernladyla profile image
Southernladyla

On my way to Rock Steady Boxing this afternoon!! Keep moving!!!

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster

Way to go! Keep it up!

rideabike profile image
rideabike

Found my magic pill. I can't do biking walking far or jogging anymore due to knee problems so I am gardening (on new ground) and working hard at it. What a difference all the exercise, bending, lifting, digging, pulling weeds (some half a foot deep...ugh!) has made. I feel better each day and stronger. Knees are even stronger. A lot of it is almost stationary although lots of stretching. So this winter when I can't garden I realize moving, stretching, bending etc. is a must do. Thanks Jim!

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to rideabike

Good for you! The best exercise is whatever you will consistently do!

1rocketman profile image
1rocketman

Hear, hear! I told my hubby with PD yesterday that he could complain all he wants about having PD as long as he was doing it while exercising! Exercise ALWAYS makes him feel better.

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to 1rocketman

Same here. I dread it...but then I feel euphoric when I am done.

ConnieD profile image
ConnieD in reply to 1rocketman

Good response!😂

Gioc profile image
Gioc

Ancient words of wisdom say that if a line of communication can certainly influence you then you can influence it in return. This principle can be useful and give us a foundation: if the brain can influence the movement and stiffness of the muscles, can “forced” exercise with time influence the brain structure?

I know we could call it "Meta Medicine" as the ancient Greeks called "metaphysics" the assumptions that went beyond the proven. But PD has no known cause.

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-

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metaphysics

noun

the branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such as being, knowing, identity, time, and space.

"they would regard the question of the initial conditions for the universe as belonging to the realm of metaphysics or religion"

abstract theory with no basis in reality.

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to Gioc

Until reading some of your posts, I always thought of brain-body communication as a one way street from the brain to the body. I now believe it's a two way street. The body also communicates back to the brain. Thanks, Gio!

PDBoxer profile image
PDBoxer

I exercise in some way every day of the week, but my favorite is Rock Steady Boxing! I love the cognitive "work-out" that it provides even more than the physical work. (Brain communicating which hand, which punch, slip right or left, etc.) I saw my neurologist today for my 1 year check-up and we both agree that the boxing has definitely slowed the progression of PD for me!

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to PDBoxer

Congratulations! I don't have Rock Steady Boxing near me, but I have heard great things! Keep it up!

laglag profile image
laglag in reply to jimcaster

When you do have one close, try it. It's more fun than it sounds. I've been doing RSB for 12 yrs. & it's been my best medicine. And it's for every level of PD. We now have 804 affliates.

rocksteadyboxing.org.

Check out the videos & the testimonials. My testimonial is under Debbie. Keep fighting!

ConnieD profile image
ConnieD

You really do inspire us all Jim! Thank you!

Jumex2017 profile image
Jumex2017

Doesnt quite work if you don't have the strength.

Parkie- profile image
Parkie- in reply to Jumex2017

Jumex2017,

Exactly what I was thinking... in fact, any kind of exercise, for me, induces muscle weakness that can last up to 2 weeks... I used to walk 1:30 a day, up until the symptoms started abruptly in 2016 at age 54...

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster in reply to Jumex2017

I understand, which is why I said we are all at different ages, stages, and places. I think for younger, more recently diagnosed people, exercise is about the only proven way to slow or stop progression.

dadcor profile image
dadcor

Rock Steady Boxing works well, but Muay Thai produces amazing effect on me. Sure no real fights, just shadow boxing and kicking drills, and also lots of workouts on heavy bags, but the effect on the symptoms is tremendous. Hours after the sessions, I do not experience any slightest signs of this f.. disease. Highly recommend.. :)

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