The medicine for Parkinson's can help slow the disease's progression, but long-term use does have negative side effects. That's why many look for other methods to slow disease progression. Details in this week’s Health Check.

As a former engineer, Dick Beyer takes a calculated approach to everything he does, especially now that he has Parkinson's disease.

Dick Beyer, Has Parkinson's - "I was having trouble reaching for a glass of the second shelf in the kitchen, so I developed an exercise in the total gym, which basically repeats that motion."

These movements help the many symptoms of Parkinson's.

Kathi Brandfass, Physical Therapist - "At the heart of what we're working on are really the tasks that involve targeting, reaction, their reaction to a target."

Physical therapist Kathi Brandfass started the program to study the effect of targeted exercises on Parkinson's.

Brandfass - "All of them have had significant postural changes and balance, there's a big balance improvement."

Since Parkinson's affects one side or the other, the exercises work both. Moving backward initiates new motor programs.

Beyer - "I feel like what I'm participating in is the give back program, so the people with Parkinson's after me will have more than I had."

If the results hold true, Parkinson's patients can help themselves, just by exercising. [ABC]

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