The progressive nature of Parkinson's Disease can make walking a challenge. Now, a new study is helping Parkinson's patients dance into a more mobile future.
Don Ablins tried physical therapy to help manage his Parkinson's Disease, but it isn't a favorite.
Now he's stepping out of his comfort zone into a dance class that's anything but dull.
Doctors say dance therapy has a different effect on patients, and for many individiauls it's like a back door into therapy.
Rush University Medical Center is studying the effect dance has on Parkinson's patients. Dr. James Young says "it allows them to have a certain fluidity of their movements. Now we know that patients with Parkinson's need the movements, they need the space."
The classes are led by a former professional dancer, who encourages stretching and movement.
This spring, Dr. Young's team will start using brain scans to gain a better understanding of why the dance classes are so effective with these patients.
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