Exercise is a problem for people with Parkinson’s disease, but it can also help relieve symptoms. Dancing is a success, as the first lesson in Groningen proves.
It is not yet 11 o’clock in the morning and the roof is coming off in the Maartenshof care center in Groningen. Curious residents, some behind rollators and in wheelchairs, come around the corner to see who is going crazy on it Twist and Shout of The Beatles and U Can’t Touch This from MC Hammer. There are more than twenty people with Parkinson’s disease, most of whom need little encouragement to let themselves go.
It is the introductory lesson of Dans op Recept, a program for people with Parkinson’s disease. This has been a phenomenon in Friesland for years and the organization thinks it is time to spread its wings at four locations in the province of Groningen and from May also in Drenthe.
Making steps
There is a major social aspect to the dance lessons, says Nynke Dölle, who leads the project in Groningen: “A lesson is not complete without talking to each other over coffee.” But it is certainly also about the effect of the dancing itself. Dance on Recipe refers to research by Revalidation Center Friesland and Parkinson Center Nijmegen, led by neurologist Bas Bloem, which shows that dancing has a positive effect on ‘disease symptoms, self-confidence and the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease’.
Dance teacher Miranda van Toor also sees this. “When someone new joins my group, it is often difficult at first, but the more people dance and move, the looser and freer the movements become,” says Van Toor. ,, People with Parkinson’s need to get rid of how they think their body should move. If that works, then you can really take steps.”
‘I missed this’
Parkinson’s often causes problems with small movements and stiff muscles. Theo van Luijken (73) can relate to that. He is one of the most enthusiastic participants this Friday morning. “I missed this”, says Van Luijken, puffing on a chair. In Heerlen he danced for years in a similar group with fellow sufferers. When the Limburger moved to Groningen a year ago (“our grandchildren live here”) that was finished. “It loosens my shoulders and I have more confidence in my body. I don’t think I’m going to fall over now.”
The workshop consists of 34 lessons. From next week they will also be offered in Appingedam, Hoogezand and Leek in addition to the Maartenshof and Winschoten may also follow. Partners and healthcare personnel are also allowed to dance along with the PwPs. Van Luijken will definitely sign up. “I like that dancing very much,” says the Limburger. “But it is also the nice contacts that do me good.”
