Question

I'm 55 and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease about 3 years ago. When I was younger I used to be a very keen skier, but I stopped while our kids were growing.

Do you think I could take it up again, or is it a no-no for Parkinson's patients?
 

Answer

You ask a very relevant question but you would be best advised to discuss your desire to take up skiing again with your own treating doctor, who knows you, your condition and your present motor skills (ability to control movements).
 

As you will know, PD is a progressive, chronic disease causing an impairment in the ability to control movements, characterized by spasmodic or repetitive motions or lack of coordination . There are no two people the same, so every individual will experience a varying rate of decline in normal function. The type, severity, and progression of symptoms vary among individuals and no two people are affected exactly in the same way. But there are common traits. Initial symptoms frequently involve tremor. Tremor is defined as shaking, and in an untreated PD patient develops into an uncontrolled shaking. Beyond tremor, the lack of available dopamine can cause the muscles to stay rigid, even when the patient is consciously trying to relax. Bradykenesia, or slowness of movement, is another symptom, as are lethargy, postural instability, shuffling and tripping while walking. Fine motor control with the hands becomes increasingly difficult, if not impossible.
 

It is so however, that Research has proven that motor disability as well as mood and subjective well-being can be clearly improved by intensive sports activities in early to medium stage Parkinson's Disease (PD ) patients. Because Parkinson's disease affects your ability to move, exercise helps to keep muscles strong and improve flexibility and mobility. Exercise will not stop the disease from progressing; but, it will improve your balance and it can prevent joint stiffening.
 

One of two groups used in researching exercise during the course of disease showed a striking reduction in physical activity but no complete abandonment of sports was found. Swimming, hiking and gymnastics were the favoured sports in both groups. So you can see that it would not be advised to try learning a new sport, but as you are already skilled in the art of skiing, this would probably be no more of an effort for you than hiking. If your doctor has you effectively medicated and gives you the go ahead we wish you happy skiing.
 

Related Links
Value of exercise in Parkinson's disease
Further exercises
An Encouraging Personal Account