This July they will travel to Iowa to test their mettle on a 450-mile bicycle ride across Iowa (Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) with the Pedaling for Parkinson’s team, led by Dr. Jay Alberts from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Cleveland Clinic. They are proof that one method of circumventing Parkinson’s symptoms may come in the form exercise.

“The irony for me, a neurologist, facing down Parkinson’s disease at a relatively young age is not lost on me,” said Dr. Heydrick, who was diagnosed in 2003 when he was only 40.  “I believe exercise may be neuro-protective and wanted to do everything possible to sustain a level of exercise so I could really fight this disease.”

To that end, the Maryland neurologist underwent eight hours of brain surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 2005 to combat his tremors and movement slowness which allows him to exercise on a daily basis.

Californian Parkinson’s patient, Jim “Parky” Wetherell has been using exercise to combat Parkinson’s since his diagnosis in 1996.  Parky, who rides a custom made recumbent bicycle, has pedaled more than 40,000 miles since his diagnosis.

“Cycling has altered my symptoms positively.  I am certain of it.  I cannot measure it, but I am confident one day Dr. Alberts can,” said Wetherell.  “Meanwhile, I will keep logging my miles in Iowa with the homemade ice cream, homemade pies and homemade hospitality.”

Drs. Alberts and Jerrold L. Vitek, Cleveland Clinic, are currently engaged in a research project that is aimed at determining the effects of exercise, such as cycling, on Parkinson’s motor symptoms.  Dr. Alberts comments that, “While exercise is generally considered good, there is a substantial gap in understanding the type or intensity necessary to improve Parkinson’s symptoms.”  Furthermore, “Most of the studies showing exercise to be neuroprotective, have been performed using animal models of Parkinson’s, how or if this translates to humans is unclear,” responds Dr. Alberts.

Upon hearing that Lance Armstrong will be riding in Iowa this year, Dr. Heydrick and Parky say, “We’ll say ‘hello’ as we pass him.” 

About Pedaling for Parkinson’s
Pedaling for Parkinson’s (PFP) is 501(c)3 non-profit that was founded by Dr. Jay Alberts and Parkinson’s disease patient Cathy Frazier in 2003.  The primary mission of PFP is to aid Parkinson’s disease patients and their caregivers.  This is accomplished through the support of research that has the potential to impact those patients currently battling Parkinson’s.   PFP is committed to the caregivers of Parkinson’s patients through the support of respite programs.  For more information on PFP visit http://www.pedalingforparkinsons.org/ or call 216-445-3222.

About Parkinson’s Action Network
The Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) is the leading advocacy voice of the Parkinson’s community—more than one million Americans and their families.  Through education and interaction with the Parkinson’s community, scientists, lawmakers, opinion leaders, and the public, PAN leads the fight to ease the burden and find a cure.  PAN increases awareness about Parkinson’s disease and seeks federal support for Parkinson’s research.  The PAN is the primary charity working with PFP to further their mission.  For more information on the Parkinson’s Action Network, or to get involved, please visit www.parkinsonsaction.org or call 1-800-850-4726.