Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating, progressive neurologic disorder that typically leaves its victims with impaired strength, motor performance, hand-eye coordination, balance, gait stability, speech and cognition. While pharmacological and physical therapies and other treatments exist to manage the disease, it isn’t curable. However, exercise can mitigate the effects of Parkinson’s.
That’s the intent of a physical activity open house for the Parkinson’s community on Tuesday, April 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hosted by the Des Moines University physical therapy department in conjunction with the Iowa Parkinson Disease Information and Referral Center and the American Parkinson Disease Association, the open house will feature three stations that participants can rotate through to get assessments and exercises to help achieve better balance, gait, posture and flexibility.
The open house will be held in the fourth-floor DMU Physical Therapy Clinic at 3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines. For a map and directions, click here. The event is free, but space is limited and RSVPs are required. To reserve a spot, call the Iowa Parkinson Disease Information and Referral Center at 877-872-6386.
