#86: Art therapy for Parkinson's

In this episode, we talk with Lisa who is a person living with Parkinson's and has found painting as her therapy. She never painted before, but after living with Parkinson's for 10 years, she decided to give it a try and now she's hooked. According to the APDA, "Art therapy may also be a tool that enhances the lives of people with PD more generally. One small study investigated clay art in people with PD and showed improvements in hand dexterity, mood, and quality of life."
What kind of art have you tried?
www.apdaparkinson.org/article....

[@doggidaddibyrd1875]

For my art therapy, I crochet. It really helps with dexterity. I am self-taught, but I learn new projects from KZbin tutorials.

[@kitkat20221]

Lisa beautiful work. You inspire me. ❤

[@rosered9029]

"...when one door closes, another one opens..." Impressed...and agree with commenter who suggested that you write and illustrate a children's book.❤

[@lisapalmisano2545]

Thank you! I am excited about the children’s book.

[@user-vl5ep2ye7v]

Pre-Parkinson’s I had an occasional desire to sketch wildlife or landscapes, but could barely draw a stick figure. Now, 2 years after my diagnosis, I tried drawing again and found I could do it well enough to really enjoy it. From what I have read, this could be a positive side effect from levodopa which some people experience. Drawing does relax me and calm my symptoms. It also seems to have improved my handwriting a bit.

[@lisapalmisano2545]

That makes me so happy to know!!

[@Zerobar78.]

I get rigid when I’m off my medication standing at the stove trying to make my dinner I can’t imagine trying to draw or paint something. My grandfather was an artist for the Columbus dispatch many years ago, and though he didn’t know it at the time he did a lot of artistry working through his Parkinson’s, can’t imagine how tough it was.

[@lisapalmisano2545]

Oh I get rigid too. For that I sing or chant the “Jump Around” song. I like to find whatever helps.

[@ceevee291]

Hi Lisa, Your paintings are very bright, cheery and uplifting. Your art would really be great for illustrating children's books. Perhaps, you could even create a book to inform children about Parkinson's. So many adults know so little about the many facets of Parkinson's. Teaching children in an age-appropriate manner would help them understand what their loved ones experience with Parkinson's. It would also help explain the condition to others not affected by an immediate family member. Just an idea you may want to explore. I really think you have the talent to do it!

[@lisapalmisano2545]

That’s a fantastic idea. I’m going to do it!!

[@ziontours5893]

Earlier this year I was at a Parkinson's convention and there was a guy with a shocking tremor in his hand, who said when he paints the tremor disappears, even if he paints for three hours.

[@lisapalmisano2545]

I tremor some but my wiggly dyskinesia makes painting difficult at times.

[@ziontours5893]

@lisapalmisano2545 You still succeed in accomplishing lovely works.