Fighting Parkinson's Disease with Exercise and Determination

When Angie Johnson of Waukesha learned at age 38 that she had Parkinson’s disease (PD), she was stunned.

She had been experiencing a slight tremor in her right hand, which she believed might be carpel tunnel syndrome, and vision problems that she suspected were a natural part of aging and working in front of a computer screen. Also, in hindsight, she recalls having fallen and dropping things more often than usual, but had easily explained away those incidents.

Angie didn’t expect a neurologist to confirm her symptoms were due to young-onset Parkinson’s. Approximately 2 percent of people with Parkinson’s are thought to be below the age of 50; however, because Parkinson's disease is often overlooked as a diagnosis in younger patients, the prevalence among those under age 50 may be higher than believed.

“For many months I lived in denial, unable to believe or accept the diagnosis,” said Angie. “Part of the resistance was because I was young and felt healthy, but also my symptoms were relatively minor. When I finally reached a point of acceptance, I assured my husband and daughter that I would fight this disease and together we get through the challenges it brings.”

After being referred to a neuro-ophthalmologist who prescribed carbidopa-levodopa, a common medication for people with Parkinson’s, Angie’s vision problems improved. In addition, she exercises several times each week, incorporating yoga, spin classes, water aerobics and walks into her routine.

The Parkinson’s Outcomes Project shows that people with PD who start exercising earlier and for a minimum of 2.5 hours a week experience a slowed decline in quality of life compared to those who start later. Establishing early exercise habits is essential to overall disease management.

Last spring, Angie was joined by friends and family who walked in her honor at Moving Day Milwaukee, the Parkinson Foundation’s local fundraising event. Collectively, “Angie’s Pack” raised more than $1,200 for the organization’s programs and resources.

On June 9, “Angie’s Pack” will gather again for the 2018 Moving Day event in Wauwatosa. Angie finds that exercising keeps her balanced both physically and mentally, and she plans to walk the 2-mile course through Hart Park. Moving Day Milwaukee will feature a unique Movement Pavilion where instructors will lead exercises proven to help manage PD as well as family-friendly activities and more.

For more information about Moving Day Milwaukee, visit www.Movingdaymilwaukee.org.