Program gives Parkinson's patients a fighting chance

Marieke Kreps can’t wait to begin her Rock Steady Boxing regimen. But she is going to have to cool her heels, given the fact that she is currently recuperating from a fractured pelvis. Kreps says the fall occurred because a new medication she is taking for Parkinson’s didn’t agree with her.

Parkinson’s Disease is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, a disease that affect 6.2 million people and annually accounts for approximately 120,000 deaths globally. Kreps is one of the estimated 3,000 people living with Parkinson's Disease on the Space Coast.

Often developed between the ages of 50 and 60, Parkinson's Disease symptoms include tremors or shaking, often in a hand, arm or leg, plus stiff, weak or aching muscles and difficulty with walking and balance.  

Falling is a fact of life for those living with the disorder.

“With Parkinson’s it’s not if you will fall, but when you will fall,” Kreps said.

Parkinson’s can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function. Exercise is a critical component in helping to stave off the disease and Rock Steady Boxing, recently introduced to Brevard County by fitness trainers Janice Moia of Advance Fitness and David DiQuollo of Unlimited Kickboxing can do miracles in slowing symptoms progression.

For Moia, Parkinson’s hits close to home.

“My father had Parkinson’s and passed away at age 68,” said Maio, who offers unlimited access to Rock Steady Boxing classes at $70 a month.

Rock Steady Boxing improves the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease through a non-contact boxing-based curriculum.

“It is recognized internationally as one of the best exercise regimens for delaying progression and improving the quality of life for people diagnosed with Parkinson's,” said Kreps.

With Rock Steady Boxing, Parkinson’s is the opponent. The rigorous exercises in the program are intended to extend the perceived capabilities of the participants, who are literally fighting the disease.

The unique exercise program enhances the quality of life of Parkinson’s patients by building their strength, balance, flexibility and speed.

“You are creating new pathways in the brain,” said Kreps. “You are basically building new circuits. The results can be amazing.”

In addition to physical benefits, Rock Steady Boxing offers the opportunity for social interaction often lacking in the lives of Parkinson's patients.

“Parkinson’s people tend to isolate themselves, but with Rock Steady Boxing they become at team supporting one another,” said Kreps, of Indian Harbour Beach.

Rock Steady Boxing will be one of the subjects under discussion during “Parkinson’s: Health, Hope & Happiness,” a free event from 4 to 6 p.m., on Thursday, April 26, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s Scott Center, 5625 Holy Trinity Drive, Suntree.

The educational event is designed to provide guidance and hope for those with Parkinson's Disease, as well as for caregivers of family members with a PD diagnosis.

Three main topics will be covered by experts and health care professionals. Dr. Ira Goodman of BioClinica will provide information about the latest clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease; Susan Blakeslee of VITAS Healthcare will lead a discussion on the relationship dynamics and challenges for Parkinson’s patients and their spouses/caregivers; and details on the ‘Rock Steady Boxing’ exercise program will be presented by Moia and DiQuollo.

"At this inspirational event, medical professionals and experienced advocates will share information about risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, drug and surgical therapies and a variety of care options,” said Kreps. “We want people to know there is hope and support for those suffering from Parkinson's Disease."

Kreps considers herself fortunate that she has been able to keep her Parkinson’s at bay. Many people suffering from Parkinson’s are not as lucky.

“If you meet one Parkinson’s patient, you meet one Parkinson’s patient,” said Kreps. “Each person is unique.”

Kreps credit exercise for the slow progression of the disease.

“You can’t sit in a corner,” she said. “You have to keep moving.”

Learn more

* For more information about Parkinson’s: Health, Hope & Happiness, call 321-751-6771. 

* For information on Rock Steady Boxing, contact Advance Fitness, 2176 Sarno Rd., Melbourne, at 321-693-9246.

* The Parkinson’s Support Group of Brevard provides professional education, community resource and guidance through monthly support groups. For more information, see brevardparkinsonsg.org.