Last week The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research hosted the third call in our ongoing Seminar Call Series on Hot Topics in PD Research, focusing on holistic approaches to treating Parkinson’s disease. Hosted by MJFF CEO Todd Sherer, PhD, and joined by featured speaker Monique Giroux, MD, Co-Founder and Medical Director of the Movement and NeuroPerformance Center of Colorado, the discussion highlighted our current understanding of the role that exercise, nutrition, the mind-body connection, and more play in treating PD as well as research underway to learn more.

After an introduction to the topic by Dr. Sherer, Dr. Giroux presents information on a wide set of holistic approaches presently available. She begins by addressing how different nutrition choices have been observed to impact the health of people with PD, noting importantly that diet and vitamins are only one part of what people should pay attention to. Next she discusses different types of exercise to consider and benefits even including improved brain plasticity. Following this Dr. Giroux moves to the topic of mind-body connection, addressing approaches from music therapy and its effect on bradykinesia to the way yoga can improve mood to positive imagery and other ways to minimize negative stress. Throughout, Dr. Giroux emphasizes the importance of thinking comprehensively about the different approaches to integrate as well as the importance of working with a therapist or doctor qualified to help select the right options for your individual case.

If you missed the call or simply want to listen again, check out the call recording. As you listen, you’ll also hear Dr. Giroux refer to several trials supported by the Fox Foundation. Not all of these trials are Fox Foundation-funded efforts, but all can be found on Fox Trial Finder at www.foxtrialfinder.org.