The following article was written by Val Black who attended Fighting Fit along with her husband, Keith, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011.
In October 2019, five members of the Guildford working age group attended an excellent long-weekend retreat, run by Fighting Fit at the Holiday Inn in Aylesbury. There were about 20 people on the course including 4 partners. We had access to the hotel gym and swimming pool, but we were kept so busy that only a few early risers managed to include a swim! The facilities were very comfortable, we learnt so much, and great new friendships were formed. The group continues to be in contact using WhatsApp, encouraging each other.
The main emphasis of the weekend was that exercise has been shown to be the best way to slow progression of Parkinson’s. The founders of Fighting Fit had been to the European Parkinson’s Therapy Centre in Italy, which combines medical, physical, life style and motivational therapy. They were inspired to start something similar in the UK for active and working age people with Parkinson’s and their partners.
The weekend included exercise ‘taster’ sessions in Tai-Chi, PD Warrior, spinning, boxing and dancing. The programme was delivered by people living with PD together with healthcare professionals and neuro-physiotherapists. A choir leader and dance teacher also volunteered their weekend time. The exercise and group classes were great fun – the understanding is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach and the best exercise to do will depend on the way Parkinson’s affects you.
PD Warrior uses big powerful movements that help re-train your brain. Aerobic exercise increases oxygen and this improves brain health. One idea is to do a daily 30 minute walk at a brisk rate that makes you puffed. For improving core strength, try Pilates, yoga, or Tai Chi.
Additional sessions included a talk on Benefits and PIP, and one on self-help ideas including technology and gadgets to try. Dr Kevin Mc Farthing from the Parkinson’s UK Oxford branch, gave a research update on re-purposing drugs. Dr Kinan Muhammed, a professor from Oxford, joined us to talk about his research into PD and apathy. It is really important to be involved socially to avoid loneliness. Apathy, a new field of cognitive neuroscience at Oxford, is important to recognise as if left untreated it has adverse effects on daily living. Form good habits and set goals, keep a diary to capture things you’ve achieved or are grateful for, and be aware of overdoing or under-doing it.
We also had a session by a clinical psychologist on how to sleep well. She later held a group counselling session for partners. PD nurse Liz Scott stressed the importance of being socially active. She said exercise helps slow down Parkinson’s progression, and the latest thinking is that it is best to start meds early; don’t delay a few years as by that time you will have fewer brain cells to process the Levadopa. They tested two groups and those who started Levadopa earlier did better.
I would recommend that partners go on the course. There were many interesting and useful new ideas we can now add to our daily lives. Keith and I like to exercise together and the lifestyle advice is important for the partner as well so we can work together as a team.
The concept of Fighting Fit is so beneficial and we highly recommend attending the weekend course.
Val Black
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