Does mobility affect mortality? Are parents worried about Parkinson's disease if they walk slowly and in small steps?
Mobility is closely related to “life span”! The mortality rate of long-term bed rest may reach 6 times
“If you want to move, move” is true! Dr. Scott (Wang Siheng) of Hengxin Rehabilitation Clinic explained that a person’s mobility is closely related to “personal health” and “life span”. Past studies have pointed out that the mortality rate of bedridden patients who are hospitalized for a long time is six times higher than that of hospitalized patients who can walk normally; the cardiovascular mortality rate of elderly people with a slow gait is also three times that of those with a faster gait. high.
“Parkinson’s disease” is one of the common mobility disorders among the elderly. Dr. Scott pointed out that when the neurons that secrete “dopamine” in the brain begin to degenerate and undergo apoptosis to a certain extent, patients with Parkinson’s disease will gradually show signs of small steps and slow gait, or even more like being “cast by a curse”. “Generally, the body becomes stiff and unable to move when walking. In the final stage, the patient may even be unable to walk and has to rely on a wheelchair or be bedridden for a long time.
Does Parkinson’s disease make it impossible to walk normally? “Mobility assistive devices” help patients regain their steps
Dr. Scott said that April 11th is “Parkinson’s Disease Day” every year. If an elder in the family starts to have difficulty walking or staggers, they should see a neurologist or rehabilitation department in time. If Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed, in addition to receiving proper treatment, you can do more gentle exercises or use technological assistive devices to help you walk normally.
Dr. Scott explained that Parkinson’s disease causes necrosis of neurons that secrete “dopamine” in the brain, causing the brain to be unable to control the hands and feet and take steps, resulting in problems such as freezing of gait and stiff movements. Nowadays, mobile assistive devices equipped with laser light can guide the patient’s feet on the road and assist the brain in controlling the hands and feet through “visual stimulation”.
People with Parkinson’s disease actually still have normal mobility, but the neurons responsible for controlling the “circuit” are damaged, causing mobility problems. Dr. Scott said that assistive devices combined with laser light can help regain steps and walk more smoothly by simply putting on shoe covers, adjusting the dial, and projecting laser light onto the ground.
Don’t ignore the slow gait of your elders and walk less! Famous rehabilitation doctors call for “this exercise” to relieve symptoms
Dr. Scott reminds the public that muscles are a “use it or lose it” structure. If there is no activity or walking for a long time, the health status of muscles and physical fitness may decline significantly. The public is reminded not to ignore the slow gait and infrequent exercise of their elders.
In addition to maintaining active habits, can “exercise” also help improve mobility difficulties? Dr. Scott said that exercise can promote muscle, cardiovascular and bone health, activate brain cells, stimulate dopamine secretion, and reduce the “on-off phenomenon” in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Previous literature has pointed out that the “Tai Chi” exercise popular in the East is helpful in reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and reducing the frequency of falls.
Dr. Scott said that he called on the public to pay attention to the physical condition of their elders in the family and pay attention to the symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease in a timely manner. If you find that your elders’ mobility is reduced, you might as well take the time to accompany them for walks, or use technological aids to help them walk. You can also practice Tai Chi and other exercises to stretch their muscles. All these can help your elders live longer and healthier lives.
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