I was recently interviewed regarding my thoughts on dual task training in Parkinson’s Disease for New Zealands Parkinson’s Society regular newsletter. I highlighted the fact that people with Parkinson’s will have an increased difficulty of dual tasking due to the increased demand on dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is a vital neurotransmitter (hormone) that is produced in the brain and involved in both physical and cognitive (mental) functioning. The degeneration of the dopamine producing cells in the brain is what causes Parkinson’s. This results in difficulties when the brain continues to try to use areas simultaneously with a depleted dopamine level and can results in a reduction of movement (motor failure), freezing of movement or even stopping mid sentence when talking and trying to do something.
However what is most important is that efficiency of using dopamine can be improved with dual task training and needs to be an import element of rehabilitation and regular exercise for someone living with Parkinson’s, especially the newly diagnosed.
Take a read of the article published below and please contact us if you want to ensure you are doing the right dual task training for your Parkinson’s.
