March 2022 - Life After 50

counteracts Parkinson’s progression

By Lynn Jacobs

P

arkinson’s disease and dancing may seem like odd bedfellows.

Yet, every Friday a group of seniors gathers for a rejuvenating combination of music, movement and visualization to combat the effects of Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s symptoms typically develop in those over age 50.

Symptoms include tremors, balance issues, slower movements and the body not cooperating when the brain tells it to do something. While some of these issues accompany aging, they are exacerbated by Parkinson’s.

Laura Hymers Treglia, a dancer and teacher at Ormao Dance Company, journeyed to New York for specialized training in the integration of music and movement specifically for Parkinson’s patients.

22 | MARCH 2022 |

Her hour-long class uses rhythm and creativity to physically and cognitively challenge students in a safe and fun way.

“It’s not physical therapy. It’s not medical,” explained Treglia, 48. “It’s an artistic experience that brings therapeutic benefits.”

ON THE MOVE Although walking and coordination can become difficult for people with Parkinson’s, Treglia said continuing to move is crucial to slowing the progression of the non-curable disease. There is freedom in seeing what the body can do, rather than lamenting what it can’t. The topic of the disease rarely comes up.

Exercises vary week to week, but visualization is often used to inspire participants to choreograph their own movements to share with the

WWW.LAFIFTY.COM

class. Other attendees add on to the sequence with their interpretations.

“We do exercises in imagination and tying physical movement to ideas,” said Kathy Kasley, 73, who has attended the class for three years. “We might imagine the movement that expresses springtime or anger and put those movements into dance.”

Participants gather in a circle for a warmup, both seated and standing movements for dances, and then a cooldown. Two instructors are always present. One remains seated throughout the entire class to model movements for those in a wheelchair or anyone who doesn’t feel like standing that day.

A large-screen TV comprises part of the circle so students at home can Zoom in and participate

in real time. Prior dance training is not required, and caregivers and significant others are encouraged to attend.

“When care partners and spouses come, it takes them outside their daily life,” Treglia said. “It helps them to see each other in a new way when they move together. It’s beautiful.”

Kasley attends class with her husband Donald Ader, 72, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s five years ago. Ader, a retired dental assistant, has difficulties with balance and pain when standing. Kasley attends for her own exercise and to encourage her husband.

“I don’t know why,” said Kasley, “but with Parkinson’s, it seems to make the physical movement easier to do when music is added.”