PARKINSON'S DANCE PROGRAM (PDP)

Why Dance for Exercise with Neuromuscular Disease?
 

We know that with Parkinson's disease that by the time that most people are diagnosed, 80% of the dopamine neurons in the brain are lost. During this time the brain tries to compensate for the loss of these dopamine neurons. Exercise and dance may have an effect on the brain by driving

this compensation. It seems to be that people with neuromuscular disorders who exercise regularly move more normally than those who do not. Exercise and dance may contribute to what is termed "Neuro-Plasticity," helping the brain to maintain old connection, form new ones and restore lost ones. Several scientific studies have proven this in animal studies.
 

What does dance do for those affected with dis-eases such as Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis? Dance enhances lives by creating improvement in several areas. Dance often helps focus, which often times people struggle with. Dancing reduces depression, anxiety and apathy by allowing people to focus on creating movement and stretching. Most people who participate in dance forget what ails them and can be experience feelings of being taken away from their every day struggles. Most of all dance creates a feeling of enjoyment and happiness which is what makes a dance program for people with neuromuscular diseases so rewarding.