By: Kathy Hubbard
Parkinson’s disease (PD) ranks second among the most common age-related neurodegenerative brain diseases. Alzheimer’s is first. Parkinson’s is also the most common motor (movement related) brain disease.
Parkinson’s Foundation’s website says that men are more likely to have PD than women, white people more often than those of color. The average age for PD onset is around 60 to 65 years old, and the risk increases with age. Somewhere between five and ten percent of cases are diagnosed in people under 50, and although uncommon symptoms can begin before age 40.
Living with a degenerative disease requires developing a lifestyle that’s conducive to maintaining mobility and quality of life. That’s why Johns Hopkins Medicine’s website says, “Although exercise of all kinds is beneficial for patients with PD, physical therapy is the key.
I asked Michelle Mogollon, DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) at Performance Therapy Services to explain the programs that are available to PD patients right here in Sandpoint. She explained:
“LSVT BIG is an intensive amplitude-based therapy program for the limb motor system with someone with Parkinson’s to re-educate the sensorimotor system. This program is unique as it uses principles of neuroplasticity, is administered in an intensive manner, and utilizes techniques specific to Parkinson’s deficits.
“The program is standardized into four sessions a week, for four weeks total but is individualized for a patient’s unique needs. This means that the program can be adapted for those who have little to no difficulty walking, or to those that have more difficulty walking. It incorporates functional activities specific to the patient that he or she would like to improve with physical therapy.
“LSVT LOUD is often completed alongside the LSVT BIG program to provide an intensive amplitude-based exercise program for the speech motor system. This program helps empower patients to speak louder and more clearly to be able to participate in conversation within the home and community. Speech therapy services can also address any difficulties with swallowing/eating that can occur as Parkinson’s progresses.”
I asked if there was limited availability for treatment, and she said, “There are no limitations as to how many patients we can serve with Parkinson’s. Yay!” The department is staffed with four physical therapists, one occupational and one speech therapist all licensed to provide LSVT Big and LOUD programs.
Mogollon said that after completing the LSVT programs patients are encouraged to check in every six months to a year for a reassessment.
“This is because Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disease and may need updated care throughout their lifespan,” she said.
Coach Kristy Winter added, “When the BIG and LOUD programs wrap up patients should contact me at the Ridley Village location to make an appointment to join Rock Steady Boxing, which is held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 to 1 p.m.”
Rock Steady Boxing is a specialized, non-contact fitness program designed to improve specific physical and neurological challenges caused by PD. Using boxing-inspired drills, Winter takes the class through a series of exercises that improve the severity of daily symptoms.
I visited a class a couple of years ago and was impressed by the enthusiasm and camaraderie between the patients while they were performing strenuous maneuvers. I asked if any of the people I met at that time were still participating, and she said, “Yes the originals are still coming, and we have some new boxers who have recently joined.
“This summer we had a couple of patients, from Boise and Utah, who loved the class. When they returned home, they couldn’t find any programs there that matched ours here. They’re anxious to get back to our class!”
Mogollon emphasized that people should know that rehabilitation for Parkinson’s can be a fun and enjoyable experience.
“Programs are designed to fit their individual needs, and many times clients complete their program feeling more ‘like themselves’ and are more confident in their mobility. It is so rewarding to see someone’s physical function improve with positive changes to walking speed and balance,” she said.
There is a Parkinson’s Support Group every second Monday of the month at the East Bonner County Library from 2 to 3:30 p.m., There is a care partner support group that meets the first Thursday of the month at Marigold Bistro at 10 a.m.
Kathy Hubbard was a charter member of Bonner General Health Foundation. She can be reached at [email protected]. This article was written for publication in the Bonner County Daily Bee on April 15, 2026.