In honor of International Parkinson’s Day on April 11, the “Dogs for Parkinson” campaign was launched across various Belgian cities. The campaign, organized by the Belgian nonprofits Parkili and Action Parkinson in partnership with AbbVie, focused on promoting the benefits of dog walking for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease, characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity, and balance issues, currently has no cure. While medications provide temporary relief, physical activity plays a crucial role in improving long-term outcomes. Dr. Olivier Bouquiaux, a neurologist at the University Hospital of Liège, shared his insights on how simple activities like walking a dog can be particularly beneficial for Parkinson’s patients. He highlighted that the act of walking a dog offers both enjoyment and therapeutic benefits. Specifically, the pulling motion of the dog on the leash serves as an external stimulus that can help prevent episodes of freezing gait, which are common in advanced stages of the disease. Additionally, the activity requires patients to maintain balance and stay motivated to keep moving forward.
This initiative shows how incorporating everyday activities, such as walking a dog, can contribute significantly to improving the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s disease.