What is Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative condition of the central nervous system that results in a slowing of movement, tremors, postural abnormalities, loss of facial expression, rigidity, impaired balance, and in some cases alterations in behavior and thought. The source of impaired function results from the loss of a population of dopamine-producing cells in a region of the brain called the ‘substantia nigra’, and the loss of the orchestrated release of dopamine has a profound impact on movement.
But ping pong is a therapeutic exercise that has been shown to improve the quality of life of Parkinson’s patients. Based on the concept of neuroplasticity- the brain’s capacity to make new neurons and connections through challenging physical exercise- the PPP method benefits the brain by engaging motor and cognitive skills such as visuospatial attention, motor planning/sequencing, processing speed, and executive skills such as strategy formation and problem-solving. Most importantly, the physical and cognitive engagement is fun and provides a valuable opportunity for social interaction.
Elana Clar is a board-certified neurologist specializing in movement disorders. In this episode, she tells us more about the disease and how best to manage it.
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EP 1134B - Ping Pong Parkinson's
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Dr. Clar is actively engaged in research and was one of the sub-investigators for the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative, a landmark observational study that evaluated cohorts using advanced imaging, biologic sampling, and clinical assessments to identify biomarkers for the progression of Parkinson's disease. Dr. Clar publicly speaks to both the professional and patient communities to promote education on Parkinson's Disease and other movement disorders, and to advocate for patients, families, and caregivers.
Dr. Clar is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, the Movement Disorders Society and the American Medical Association. In addition to her surgical expertise with deep brain stimulation, she treats all conditions in Movement Disorders including Parkinson Disease, atypical parkinsonism, ataxia, dystonia, spasmodic torticollis, essential tremor, hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm and vocal/motor tics.
Dr. Elana Clar
Elana Clar is a board-certified neurologist specializing in movement disorders. Dr. Clar earned her Bachelor of Science degree with magna cum laude honors at University of California, Irvine before continuing to medical school at New York Medical College. She completed her neurology residency training at Georgetown University where she was recognized with multiple awards for excellence in teaching. Dr. Clar subsequently undertook a two-year fellowship in Movement Disorders at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center, while focusing on subspecialty training in Deep Brain Stimulation.Dr. Clar is actively engaged in research and was one of the sub-investigators for the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative, a landmark observational study that evaluated cohorts using advanced imaging, biologic sampling, and clinical assessments to identify biomarkers for the progression of Parkinson's disease. Dr. Clar publicly speaks to both the professional and patient communities to promote education on Parkinson's Disease and other movement disorders, and to advocate for patients, families, and caregivers.
Dr. Clar is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, the Movement Disorders Society and the American Medical Association. In addition to her surgical expertise with deep brain stimulation, she treats all conditions in Movement Disorders including Parkinson Disease, atypical parkinsonism, ataxia, dystonia, spasmodic torticollis, essential tremor, hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm and vocal/motor tics.
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