A very special Parkinson’s and golf story came across my desk this week. It’s special because it is all about the magic power of neuroplasticity and neurorestoration.
Struby and I are completing final touches on our book “Counterpunch: Duking It Out With Parkinson’s.”
I wrote the glossary this week. Here are three relevant definitions included in it.
Neurogenesis
Neurogenesis is the process by which neurons are produced by neural stem cells. It is most active during embryonic development but occurs throughout life.
“Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change throughout life. Brain activity of a function, for example mechanics of a golf swing, can be transferred to a different brain location after injury.
“Neurorestoration
Restoration of a brain function through neurogenesis.”
I used golf in the neuroplasticity entry for a personal reason. After losing my ability to swing a golf club in 2016 due to a severe Parkinson’s attack on my autonomic nervous system, I regained it this year. I modified my swing to compensate for PD’s muscle stiffness.
Here’s the terrific story by Gary Van Sickle in Morning Read:
http://www.morningread.com/features/0a9b329d-6c96-4615-b1ad-44cca4b6a9ba
shufflingeditor.com 