Exercise Can Help Patients Outrun Parkinson’s Disease

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Stresses Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

​Physicians at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, are calling attention to Parkinson’s disease and the role that early diagnosis and exercise can play in managing the condition. 

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological movement disorder characterized by tremors, slowness of movement, stiff muscles and unsteady walking. While there is no cure for the disease, medication and surgery can help to manage the condition and enable patients to enjoy better health for longer. 

While the condition is most common in people over 60, a growing number in the Middle East are being diagnosed decades earlier. With the incidence of Parkinson’s disease cases worldwide expected to double by 2040, experts are keen to highlight ways to control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

“As Parkinson’s disease progresses, it can inhibit a person’s ability to function and live independently. Although we have medications and surgical treatments to help control symptoms, natural measures are also available. If you’re active, you can control the disease, reduce your reliance on medication and avoid the need for surgery,” says Dr. Shivam Om Mittal, a neurologist specialized in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Although effective in controlling symptoms, medication and surgery do not alter the progression of the disease. However, research conducted by Cleveland Clinic in the United States has demonstrated that regular exercise can slow the advancement of Parkinson’s disease.  Patients who were placed on an eight-week high-intensity exercise program developed significantly improved motor function. The hospital is now conducting research into the precise link between exercise and slowing the disease. 

“I have patients who do tai chi, yoga and swim. I’ve even had patients that run marathons and go cycling or hiking. Those patients do very well with just minimal medication. The role of medication is to keep patients active, allowing them to focus on controlling the disease. The key to this is early diagnosis,” continues Dr. Mittal. 

Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease requires a comprehensive medical evaluation that most patients don’t seek out until their symptoms become very noticeable. Even then, they can struggle to get diagnosed. In more advanced cases, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, allowing patients to be more active.

Roudha Yusuf, now 53, struggled to get a diagnosis and adequate treatment when she first noticed her symptoms 17 years ago. Despite travelling to the United States and Germany, her symptoms progressed to the point that she was unable to sit up or stand independently and was bedridden for almost 2 years.

Following a comprehensive evaluation by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s multidisciplinary movement disorder team, a treatment plan was devised to help control her symptoms and regain some of the movement she lost. Following her medical treatment, she was able to walk without any support.

“I was very sick, I felt I was almost dead. Thanks to the team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi who cared for me, I am much better now. This disease has taken a lot from me, but I can now walk, live my life and care for my family again,” says Roudha. 

For Dr. Mittal, Roudha exemplifies the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Catching the disease in its earliest stages, where symptoms can be as simple as a loss of smell or dream enactment at night, can make a tremendous difference.

“Roudha’s story is a powerful message for patients with Parkinson’s disease. With proper diagnosis and treatment, she was able to go from bed-ridden to up and walking. Although her disease had progressed a great deal, helping her to regain her movement means she can focus on using exercise and proper diet to control her illness. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and, with proper care and management, you can take your life back from this disease,” concludes Dr. Mittal. 

To schedule an appointment or for more information, download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Health Portal app​, visit the App Store or Google Play Store, call 800 8 CCAD (2223) or visit ClevelandClinicAbuDhabi.ae.