“I haven’t had any medical people tell me that I shouldn’t go all out,” says our protagonist in this episode, Nordic John. He’s 80 years young but still competing internationally in cross-country skiing despite  the onset of Parkinson’s disease a decade ago. “That is really effective when you push yourself to the limit.”

Our expert guest, Dr. Jerry Vitek, Head of Neurology at the University of Minnesota Medical School,  confirms John’s experience. “Exercise is one of the best things we can do and recommend to our patients.”

Nordic John’s wife, Gina, attests that John is no stranger to the  vigorous challenge of cross country skiing. John directed the Nordic Skiing Program at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont for decades. And both attended the 2023 Master’s World Cup of Skiing in Austria. 

“I just need to get him to the start line because then when the gun goes off he just knows what to do,” she explains. 

That means Nordic John’s muscle memory for skiing remains intact despite the onset of other symptoms, such as tremors and loss of balance. 

“There's no question that when you start to become proficient at something, you've clearly changed those connections and strengthened them,” confirms Dr. Vitek. 

We’ll also hear from Coach Ollie, who has taken over John’s former position at the Craftsbury Center yet now directs John at his Master’s practices. And we’ll learn about the important role played by the actor Michael J. Fox and his foundation in raising $1 billion for Parkinson’s research so far.

How do John and Gina fare in disappointing snow conditions at the Master’s World Cup? What important research is on the horizon for the many millions of Parkinson’s patients worldwide?

Tune in to learn more on this  final My Body Odyssey episode of Season Two, Nordic John on the Parkinson’s Trail. 

My Body Odyssey is a Fluent Knowledge production. Original music by Ryan Adair Rooney. 

SHOW NOTES

Experts:

Jerrold Vitek, MD, PhD

Studies:

Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson Disease: An Expert Consensus and Review of Key Issues

Forced, Not Voluntary, Exercise Improves Motor Function in Parkinson's Disease Patients

Resources