Higginsville, MO, May 25th, 2026 – We see more and more people suffering from the effects of Parkinson’s Disease every day at John Knox Village East. According to the National Institutes of Health, Parkinson’s disease is rapidly increasing and is currently the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder in the world, outpacing even Alzheimer’s Disease. Parkinson’s Disease is a neuro-degenerative disease caused by impaired neuro transmitter chemical receptors and/or neuro transmitter chemical production in the brain. Parkinson’s patients typically present with shuffling gait, tremors, slowed movement, rigid muscles, speech slurring and monotone voice quality. Changes in handwriting can also occur where the writing appears cramped and small. People can also act out in dreams, experience increased urination, trouble smelling and problems with thinking and memory. Causes of Parkinson’s Disease can include family history, lifestyle and environmental factors. There are some factors that are thought to influence the occurrence of Parkinson’s Disease. Aerobic exercise has been linked to a lower occurrence of Parkinson’s Disease, as has consumption of caffeine. Use of medicines like Ibuprofen and statins has also been shown to lower the risk of the disease. For some time, our therapy department at John Knox Village East has been certified in a program called LSVT BIG! & LOUD! which is geared specifically to help those with Parkinson’s Disease or other neurological disorders that include symptoms of muscle rigidity, soft speech or small muscle movements. This program encourages BIG movements outside of your “bubble” with the arms and legs while also encouraging deep breathing and LOUD voice exercises. These exercises help combat the disease’s normal progression of muscle deterioration and rigidity, shuffling gait, soft voice and swallowing difficulty. Some exercises include sumo squats, boxing movements, as well as breath control and voice volume exercises. If you or a loved one is newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s or has been coping with a diagnosis for quite some time, seek out professionals with this certification to help manage the progression of these diseases. We’d be happy to explore options with you.

John Knox Village East,Kurt Lorenz,Director of Marketing, 1201 W. 19th,Higginsville, MO 64037, # 660-584-4416