CANNABIS, PARKINSON’S, + THE GREAT
OUTDOORS BY BEN OWENS
One of the most notable effects of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is its impact upon mobility and muscle control. Impeded mobility can make daily activities difficult, especially those involving physical activity and exertion. A lack of physical ability—or of confidence in one’s physical ability—can reduce the amount of time enjoyed in the great outdoors. Studies are showing that time spent training the body through cues and coaching can help to overcome mobility issues, resulting in more time outdoors. Studies are also showing time spent outdoors leads to a lower risk of Parkinson’s and can result in improved quality of life for those living with the disease. Programs such as ParkFit have been developed as part of research studies aimed at showing how treatment programs can help PD patients get outside and stay active. Cannabis has also been shown to help with symptom management, helping to ease patients who have been sedentary into a more active lifestyle, allowing for more outdoor activities.
THE USUAL
PARKINSON’S EFFECT ON DAILY LIFE
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Two of the most incapacitating symptoms of PD are gait and mobility problems, which are often difficult to treat.1 In spite of the potential benefits, many PD patients do not meet recommended levels of physical activity, largely as a result of these issues.2 “Higher age, being female, and lower physical capacity were the most important determinants of reduced daily physical activity.”3 Studies have also found
a greater sense of autonomy as well as stronger physical performance was correlated with maintaining mobility as we age.4 It is then reasonable to surmise that impeded mobility in PD patients could create a cyclical situation in which mobility impedes autonomy and physical performance, further impeding mobility and thereby continuing to lower quality of life.
