[Prescription alert] A smart new move for Parkinson’s?

You probably know someone with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It might be a friend, a neighbor, a spouse… or even yourself.

It’s a condition that nearly 1.1 million Americans are facing, making it the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s.

And unfortunately, the numbers are rising fast. With nearly 90,000 new diagnoses each year, finding an effective solution is more urgent than ever.

Could this “prescription” be the smartest new move?

Pickleball prescriptions: Coming soon?

Pickleball is a fun hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. And the sport has been gaining popularity among older adults for a few years now.

It turns out, some doctors are starting to write “pickleball prescriptions,” particularly for PD patients.

See, PD is a progressive disease that affects motor function, causes rigidity and tremors, and may impair cognition.

And while medications like levodopa can help provide some relief, they don’t fully address mobility and coordination—and can lose their positive effects over time. (Learn more in the current issue of my monthly Logical Health Alternatives newsletter. Click here to gain access!)

That’s where exercise shines. And I must say… it’s encouraging to see mainstream medicine finally recognize the neuroprotective power of regular movement.

In fact, the American Parkinson Disease Association even confirms, “Although there are many clinical trials of potential medications that may offer neuroprotection, as of now there is no FDA approved medication that can do this. Therefore, our best bet is exercise.”

I’ve suggested different exercises for Parkinson’s here before, like ballroom dancing. So, how does pickleball compare?

Serving up full-body potential

Pickleball requires a lot of movement: shifting stride lengths, sudden directional changes, trunk rotation, and arm flexibility. That makes it ideal for addressing gait changes, stiffness, reduced flexibility, and balance changes—all common in PD.

Perhaps best of all? It’s easy to learn, widely accessible, and gentle on the joints.

But pickleball isn’t just about movement—it also engages the mind and fosters social connection.

Studies show that seniors who play pickleball regularly stay not only more physically active, but also mentally sharp and socially engaged.

In fact, one study found that experienced pickleball players had better divided visual attention, multiple-object tracking, and reaction times compared to less active peers.

And since Parkinson’s often leads to social isolation, joining a pickleball group can be a powerful way to connect with others in a supportive, inclusive environment.

The result? A therapeutic trifecta of physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the hallmark symptoms of PD, consider talking to your doctor about a “pickleball prescription.” It might just ease your troubling symptoms—and lift your spirits along the way.

And if pickleball isn’t your thing, no worries. Find a physical activity that interests you—and stick with it.

Source:

“Prescribe pickleball for Parkinson’s.” MDLinx, 04/17/2024. (mdlinx.com/article/prescribe-pickleball-for-parkinson-s/1Cwh2dhUMOmzmeH3Um0wkH)