#7 Klos Clinic: Exercise for the Care Partner/Caregiver and PWP

03/04/21 • 22 min

As a care partner or caregiver for a loved one with PD, you have certainly by now heard the importance of exercise and therapy for your loved one with PD. Why is it so important for your loved one? Does exercise only benefit physical symptoms? Is there evidence that exercise might slow the progression of PD for your loved one?
Additionally, are you exercising? If so, are you consistent with your exercise program? Are there advantages to regular aerobic exercise for your brain health?
Tune in to the episode to learn more about this important topic!

Previous Episode

#6: Exercise and Physical Therapy for Your Loved One with Parkinson's Disease (interview with Keith Khoo, PT)

Exercise and balance therapy are important interventions in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. But what exercise should a person with Parkinson's disease perform? How often and for how long? Should the carepartner and caregiver engage in regular exercise as well? These are some of the many questions I hear in the PD clinic from patients and caregivers.
As PD advances, what issues related to fall risk should we be aware of as a caregiver? Is there a point in the progression when Physical Therapy should no longer be considered? Are there new devices and technology that may assist my loved one?
On today's interview, we dive into these questions with an expert on PD therapy and balance rehabilitation. Keith Khoo has over 34 years of experience treating PD patients. He is a balance therapist and utilizes many of the newest technologies to help people with PD reach their therapy goals. He is regularly involved with caregivers and leads support groups as well as group exercises classes that benefit both patients and caregivers. He provides wonderful advice that will benefit carepartners and caregivers caring for a loved one with PD.

Next Episode

#8: Klos Clinic: Levodopa Phobia: What care partners and caregivers need to know

Many Parkinson's disease experts have suggested that one of the leading causes of disability for Parkinson's disease patients is the fear of using levodopa (dopamine) therapy by the healthcare provider and/or the patient. This fear stems from myths and misconceptions pervasive on the internet, in medical clinics, and support groups. This fear has resulted in patients unnecessarily delaying this important therapy or limiting the dose which may under treat the motor symptoms of the disease.
On today's episode, I discuss some of these common myths and misconceptions to help the care partner and caregiver understand the truth about levodopa. Hopefully, with this information, you will be prepared to encourage your loved one to receive the optimal results from this gold standard treatment so that your loved one may achieve the best possible quality of life. I encourage you to lead your loved one to discuss therapy options further with their health care provider to find the best treatment solution for them.