While medication remains essential in managing Parkinson’s, research increasingly shows that the best outcomes for maintaining quality of life and independence come from a more comprehensive approach—one that pairs medical treatment with targeted movement, skilled care, and a supportive environment. At The Restoracy, we’ve embraced this philosophy through our use of Delay the Disease, an innovative program supporting people living with Parkinson’s.
What We Know About Parkinson’s Today
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that affects the nervous system, gradually destroying dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly 1.2 million Americans will be living with Parkinson’s by 2030. While tremors are the most visible symptom, Parkinson’s also causes muscle rigidity, slowed movement (bradykinesia), balance issues, and even cognitive changes.
The World Health Organization reports that Parkinson’s cases have doubled in the last 25 years, making it one of the fastest-growing challenges for aging adults. With no cure, the focus must shift to managing symptoms while preserving independence and quality of life through a blend of medical care, rehabilitation, and specialized senior care services.
Beyond Pills: Why Medication Alone Isn’t Enough
Traditional Parkinson’s treatments typically center around medications that increase dopamine levels in the brain or mimic dopamine’s effects. While these treatments can be effective for controlling motor symptoms, particularly in early stages, many patients find their effectiveness diminishes over time or doesn’t adequately address the full range of symptoms.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke acknowledges that despite their successes, current medications have limitations. There is currently no therapy available that slows the progression of the underlying disease or adequately relieves the wide range of symptoms in people with more advanced Parkinson’s. This reality highlights the need for complementary approaches that address both the physical and cognitive aspects of the disease.
The Science of Movement: How Exercise Changes the Brain
Emerging research has revealed something remarkable: specialized exercise programs can actually change the brain’s response to Parkinson’s disease. The key appears to be in something called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes neuron survival and function.
Multiple studies have found that exercise can increase BDNF levels in people with Parkinson’s disease. This is particularly significant because BDNF is critical for neuron survival and synaptic plasticity, which is required for learning and memory. Neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s, have been associated with decreased BDNF levels.
What makes the Delay the Disease program at The Restoracy particularly unique is its emphasis on simultaneous cognitive and physical exercise—”thinking and moving” together. This dual approach provides significant brain stimulation at the enzyme level, helping to generate BDNF and potentially slow symptom progression. This program is a key component of our rehabilitation strategy for Parkinson’s residents.
The Delay the Disease Difference
Developed by Ohio Health, Delay the Disease is an evidence-based fitness program designed to optimize physical function and help delay the progression of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Unlike general exercise regimens, this program features Parkinson’s-specific exercises that retrain both mind and body.
At The Restoracy, we focus particularly on gross motor movements with an emphasis on large muscle groups to improve coordination and stability. The program increases heart rate through targeted exercise, which prepares the brain for learning by generating BDNF. This scientific approach has shown promising results, with many participants reporting improved functional abilities and an enhanced quality of life.
We’re proud that all our seasoned clinicians are now certified to deliver Delay the Disease programs at all our locations, ensuring consistent, high-quality care based on the latest research and techniques.
Creating the Optimal Environment for Healing
The environment where treatment occurs matters tremendously. Traditional institutional settings can sometimes feel clinical and impersonal, potentially limiting the effectiveness of even the best treatment programs. At The Restoracy, we’ve created an atmosphere of home that enhances the healing process.
Research suggests that exercise-based interventions for Parkinson’s disease may be more effective when delivered in comfortable, supportive environments. Our model is designed to provide the amenities of home alongside personalized care where personal routines and wishes are honored.
This approach aligns with our core mission of restoring health, dignity, and familiarity for our residents. By providing a space that feels like home rather than a medical facility, we help reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate Parkinson’s symptoms. Our unprecedented staffing ratio ensures that residents receive individual attention and don’t feel like “a number in a large institution.”
Supporting Families Through Education and Partnership
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease affects the entire family. At The Restoracy, we recognize that family involvement is crucial to successful outcomes. That’s why consistent education and training on functional activities and specific home exercise programs are essential components of our approach.
We work closely with families to develop customized home exercise routines that maintain the gains achieved during formal therapy sessions. This collaborative approach ensures continuity of care and empowers families to actively participate in their loved one’s journey.
Additionally, we provide resources and support for families navigating the emotional aspects of caregiving. By fostering open communication and offering practical guidance, we help reduce caregiver stress and enhance the overall care experience.
Real Results: Seeing the Difference
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of our comprehensive approach is the tangible results we see in our residents. Many Parkinson’s patients at The Restoracy thrive with the Delay the Disease program, often experiencing a reduction in symptoms and an increase in functional abilities related to activities of daily living and mobility.
These improvements translate to an overall enhanced quality of life. Simple tasks that many take for granted—rising from a chair, getting out of a car, moving about in crowds, or getting dressed—become more manageable, restoring independence and dignity.
For families, seeing these improvements brings hope. As one study noted, endurance training may have positive effects on inflammatory status and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, providing potential benefits for Parkinson’s patients beyond pharmacological therapy. At The Restoracy, we witness these benefits firsthand as our residents gain confidence and capability.
A Future of Hope
While Parkinson’s disease remains a significant challenge, the comprehensive approach we’ve adopted at The Restoracy offers real hope for maintaining quality of life and independence. By combining evidence-based exercise programs like Delay the Disease with traditional medical management and a supportive environment in our care homes, we create the optimal conditions for residents to thrive despite their diagnosis.
Our commitment to continuous improvement means we stay informed about the latest research and techniques. As our understanding of Parkinson’s disease evolves, so too does our approach to care, ensuring that residents always receive the most effective treatments available.
If you have a loved one living with Parkinson’s disease, we invite you to visit The Restoracy and see our Delay the Disease program in action. Experience firsthand the difference that a truly comprehensive approach can make, and discover how we’re helping residents live their best lives every day.
Schedule a tour today. Our team is ready to answer your questions and show you why The Restoracy is the right choice for Parkinson’s care.