"European Parkinson Therapy Centre" - Impressions

[9Rafiki9]

Following the recommendation of our HU friend Marc, I decided to spend a week with “The European Parkinson Therapy Centre” in Norther Italy. It may be a little out of the way, but in my opinion, well worth the detour.

The staff are well informed and charming (so is the owner Alex). Many staff members, like Pietro the head physio, have huge experience to share after having taught hundreds and hundreds of PD patients.

The principal message I come home with, is that one actually stimulate ones production of dopamine through high intensity exercises. In other words movement is medication. We all know that exercise is vital for us, but I did not think I would be able to delay my intake Stalevo by one hour right after a certain protocol of exercises, and not suffer the usual consequences. With various before and after tests, I was in better shape and less exhausted even at the end of a week of heavy physical output.

I also found fascinating how you can evaluate and plot your balance, and see an improvement after a week of exercise. When my wife called and asked me what this was all about, she was surprised when I replied : “I’m just learning to walk” and had a good laugh when she replied “At 65, it’s about time!”. But you end up by having to, once you've walked on the sensor carpet back a forth a few time - our at least I had to!

But there are also suggestions on diet or monitoring the stress level of your brain while multitasking for instance. A complete Neuropsychological evaluation is useful to pinpoint the deficiencies and establish a program of mental exercises. You may explore the site terapiaparkinson.it for more details, but I was impressed....

[bcowart]

Interesting stuff, 9Rafiki9. I wanted to check their web site, but got a security warning when I tried. I did not proceed. Too bad. I am interested to see what they have to say for themselves. How many days did you visit with them, and how much do they typically charge, if I may ask?

Thanks!

Bob

[9Rafiki9 in reply to bcowart]

Hi Bob, terapiaparkinson.it/ is the right address so it's safe to accept the link.

Usually you would arrive on a Sunday and leave on the next Saturday pm.

The basic fee in EU635 for the week, but you may want to add extra activities which you have to pay for. Check prices with Sara. Cheers, Gérard

[albachiara2]

Sono contenta che tu abbia condiviso con noi questa esperienza positiva. Auguri

[9Rafiki9 in reply to albachiara2]

Grazie amico mio !

[Zella23]

My husband went last year for a week! The best help and therapy ever! My husband still walks every day, has a copy of exercises and we both felt we gained so much knowledge and help. Wish there was one in London.

[gmunsot]

I am very interesting in your experience in the italian centre, When did you stay there? I ask because of Pandemia.

Thank you very much for your answer.

Ponty (gmunsot)

[9Rafiki9 in reply to gmunsot]

Hi Ponty,

I went there last week, the region has few cases now, and the entire team wears masks. Also the hotels / restaurants take precautions, I felt relatively safe. The risk remains, but so it will for many months to come, so life must go on. The Center is getting quite a few bookings now. By the way, I highly recommend the Diana Hotel, it's not the most expensive, but it is superbe and good value at (special price for the Center) EU58 / night including all (excellent) meals. See my entry in Trip-advisor. Cheers Gérard

[albachiara2]

Scusami Rafiki, hanno una tecnica particolare per farti camminare sul tapis roulant? Grazie 😊👋🏻

[Sydney75]

I would love to visit an center dedicated to PD. I don't know of any that exist in the US. Maybe a trip for the future when covid is under better control for my husband. Love Italy! Is there a center like this in USA?

[rriddle]

Do the staff at this center all speak English?

I know of a similar therapy program in Japan but Japanese language is required, of course.