Parkinson’s disease is a slowly progressive neurological condition that affects movement, thinking, and functioning. In the Netherlands, around 50,000 people have Parkinson’s, and that number is rising. Symptoms vary from person to person, but one thing is certain: Parkinson’s has a major impact on daily life.
In this blog, you’ll read what Parkinson’s exactly is, what symptoms are associated with it, and why staying active is so important. You’ll also discover how the MotiMove app can support you in an accessible way in dealing with the effects of Parkinson’s. No time to read the blog, but do you want to reduce your pain? Download the app right away.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease arises because certain brain cells slowly die off. These cells produce dopamine: a substance needed to transmit signals in the brain properly, especially for movement.
When the amount of dopamine decreases, movements become disrupted. As a result, you may experience trembling, stiffness, or slower movement. Parkinson’s is a chronic disease, which means it cannot be cured. However, with the right treatment and support, symptoms can often be managed well.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s?
Symptoms vary from person to person and can change over time. The most common symptoms are:
- Tremor, especially at rest
- Stiffness in muscles and joints
- Slower movement (bradykinesia)
- Balance problems or falls
- Changes in posture and gait
- Loss of automatic movements, such as arm swing while walking
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
In addition to physical symptoms, fatigue, sleep disorders, depressive feelings, or concentration problems also occur. Parkinson’s is therefore more than just a movement disorder.
Why is exercise so important for Parkinson’s?
Research shows that regular, targeted exercise can positively influence the course of Parkinson’s. Movement stimulates the brain, improves balance, strengthens muscles, and reduces stiffness. Mental symptoms such as anxiety and low mood can also decrease by staying active.
Still, it’s not always easy to keep moving when you have Parkinson’s. The threshold to start is often high. The MotiMove app can help you with this in a safe, calm, and motivating way.
How can the MotiMove app help with Parkinson’s?
The MotiMove app is designed for people with joint or movement-related complaints, including people with Parkinson’s. The app offers exercises you can do at home, tailored to your pace and abilities. Think of:
- Exercise videos for balance, coordination, and flexibility
- Daily goals to make activity achievable
- Pain diary to gain insight into your better and more difficult days
- Statistics and progress, so you can see what works
For people with Parkinson’s, repetition and structure are essential. The app helps remind you to move, without overwhelming you. You can also take it easier on tougher days and still stay active within your limits.
Living with Parkinson’s: small steps make the difference
Parkinson’s can cause uncertainty. How will tomorrow be? What if I fall? What if I can do less than before? These concerns are understandable. But precisely by taking small steps, literally and figuratively, you keep control over your own life.
The MotiMove app helps you keep moving step by step. Not because you have to, but because it helps. Many people experience that after exercising, they feel more flexible, mentally stronger, and more confident.
Do you also want to stay active with Parkinson’s? Try MotiMove
If you have Parkinson’s, you don’t have to do it alone. The right support makes a world of difference. The MotiMove app is a tool that helps you become a little stronger every day, at your pace, in your own environment. Download the app!