Nowon-gu Operates Integrated Rehabilitation Program 'Neurocreation' for Parkinson's Disease Patients

Starting from the 11th, every Monday and Wednesday at 10:30 AM, Madle Health Center offers specialized intensive exercise, breathing rehabilitation, facial muscle programs, and psychological support for Parkinson's patients or residents experiencing regular body tremors as part of integrated rehabilitation

Elderly people doing rehabilitation exercises using Smoby

Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will operate the integrated rehabilitation program for Parkinson's disease patients, ‘Brain Creation,’ the first of its kind among local governments nationwide.

Parkinson's disease, characterized by hand tremors even at rest, is a degenerative brain disorder that occurs second most frequently after dementia among the elderly.

According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients visiting medical institutions for Parkinson's disease increased by about 15.3% in 2020 compared to 2016, and medical expenses also rose by 25.3%. Due to a lack of social awareness and recognition, many patients miss the optimal treatment period, increasing the economic burden on families.

In response, the district decided to operate the integrated rehabilitation program ‘Brain Creation’ targeting residents with Parkinson's disease and those experiencing regular tremors in parts of their body. The program aims to systematically manage Parkinson's disease to slow its progression and improve the quality of life for patients and their families through early detection.

Based on the achievements and know-how gained from a recent home-visit rehabilitation program for disabled residents unable to perform daily activities due to long-term Parkinson's disease, the district established the integrated rehabilitation program system.

The integrated rehabilitation program includes differentiated intensive exercise as well as speech and swallowing disorder rehabilitation and psychological support. Parkinson's disease involves motor disorders such as tremors and rigidity, as well as symptoms like nocturia, memory decline, depression, insomnia, and communication difficulties, all of which reduce the overall quality of life for patients.

The program will be held at Madeul Health Center starting from the 11th. It will be continuously operated every Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 AM, targeting Parkinson's disease patients or residents experiencing regular tremors in one or multiple parts of their body. In fact, about 70% of patients in the early stages of Parkinson's disease exhibit tremors.

Using small tools with vibration such as Smoby and balance cushions, the program helps improve muscle strength, balance ability, and brain activation. Repetitive swinging motions using Mimongi stimulate neuromuscular function and reduce tremors. Additionally, breathing rehabilitation and facial muscle programs are conducted to prevent communication and swallowing disorders. The program will also include correcting improper daily habits and psychological education.

The district expects that conducting the program with peers experiencing similar symptoms will help alleviate anxiety and stimulate motivation for rehabilitation.

Going forward, the district plans to conduct comparative evaluations of participants' physical functions and psychological states every six months and provide carefully tailored support for more than a year.

Meanwhile, since April, the district has been operating the customized rehabilitation program ‘Healing One Day’ for home-based cancer patients in the region to promote rapid recovery. The program targets residents within five years after cancer surgery who are undergoing chemotherapy or follow-up observation. Group exercises, one-on-one exercise counseling, psychological counseling and emotional support for self-esteem and social relationship recovery, as well as leisure and experiential activities, have resulted in high participant satisfaction.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “The number of Parkinson's disease patients is rapidly increasing due to the rapid aging of the population, but social awareness remains low. Since early detection and management are crucial, we will raise understanding of the disease and actively support the daily lives of patients and their families through rehabilitation programs.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.