Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressing neurological disorder which affects movement, thinking, and functioning. In the Netherlands, about 50,000 people have Parkinson's, and that number is rising. The complaints differ per person, but one thing is certain, Parkinson's has a major impact on daily life.
In this blog, you will read what Parkinson's actually is, what symptoms belong to it, and why staying active is so important. You will also find out how the MotiMove app can support you in an accessible way in dealing with the consequences of Parkinson's.
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease occurs because certain brain cells slowly die off. These cells produce dopamine: a substance needed to properly transmit signals in the brain, especially for movement.
When the amount of dopamine decreases, movements become disrupted. This can lead to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, or moving more slowly. Parkinson's is a chronic disease, which means it cannot be cured. However, with the right treatment and support, the complaints can often be well managed.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's?
The complaints vary per person and may change over time. The most common symptoms are:
- Trembling (tremor), especially when at rest
- Stiffness in muscles and joints
- Slower movement (bradykinesia)
- Balance problems or falls
- Changes in posture and walking
- Loss of automatic movements, such as swinging the arms while walking
- Speech and swallowing problems
In addition to physical complaints, you may also experience fatigue, sleep disorders, depression, or concentration problems. Parkinson's is therefore more than just a movement disorder.
Why is exercise so important for Parkinson's?
Research shows that regular and targeted exercise can have a positive influence on the course of Parkinson's. Exercise stimulates the brain, improves balance, strengthens the muscles, and reduces stiffness. Mental symptoms such as anxiety and depression can also diminish by staying active.
However, 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 with that, in a safe, calm, and motivating way.
How can the MotiMove app help with Parkinson's?
The MotiMove app is developed for people with joint or movement issues, including people with Parkinson's. The app offers exercises that 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 good and less good days
- Statistics and progress, so you see what works
For people with Parkinson's, repetition and structure are essential. The app helps remind you to move, without demanding too much. You can also take it slower on bad days, and still stay active within your limits.
Living with Parkinson's: small steps make a difference
Parkinson's can cause uncertainty. How will things go tomorrow? What if I fall? What if I can do less than before? These concerns are understandable. But by taking small steps, literally and figuratively, you maintain control over your own life.
The MotiMove app helps you to stay active 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 gain more confidence.
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 bit stronger every day, at your own pace, in your own environment.