Delay the Disease is a unique, community-based PD exercise program that consists of group classes that include brief episodes of high-intensity aerobic work followed by PD-specific task training. Core stability, eccentric strength training, dual-task training, large-amplitude walking, rotational movements, integrated cognitive challenges, fine motor drills, and balance training are incorporated at a challenging level of difficulty for all functional abilities. The program is a structured class of aerobic training followed by task-specific training within a community-based PD-specific group exercise format. Delay the Disease is an evidence-based fitness program, led by a certified instructor, designed to empower people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.

For Direct Branch information please contact:

Y- Healthy Living Center – 208-344-5502, ext. 276: Mary / Caldwell YMCA – 208-454-9622: Candy / Downtown YMCA – 208-344-5501: Camille / Tomlinson South YMCA – 208-331-9622: April / West YMCA – 208-377-9622: Christine

Worldwide, 47.5 million people have dementia, 5.4 million in America, with the most common form being Alzheimer’s disease. It is speculated that this number will almost double every 20 years reaching 75 million by 2030.

Dementia is a serious mental illness characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive function interfering with daily activity and independent living. The risk for developing dementia includes many factors such as genetic predisposition, stroke, head/brain injury, depression, and the presence of cardiovascular disease risk factors. While there is no cure for dementia, there are interventions available to help improve the quality of life and functioning. Movement for Memory is specifically designed for early-stage dementia and/or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This table shows changes for the most common types of dementia.

Physical exercise and brain exercise are critical to prevention efforts. Large reputable studies have shown that a lifestyle-based approach can have a positive impact on brain health and reversal of risk factors for memory loss and dementia. This evidence is demonstrating that physical exercise affects brain plasticity, influencing cognition, and well-being; playing an important role in counteracting normal and pathological aging.

For Direct Branch information please contact:

YMCA Community Hub – 208-344-5502 ext 276, Mary (class Tuesday/Thursday 10:30am)

Caldwell YMCA – 208-454-9622: Candy (class Tuesday/Thursday 11:30am)

Tomlinson South YMCA – 208-331-9622: April (class Tuesday/Thursday 1:15pm)

West YMCA – 208-377-9622: Christine (class Tuesday/Thursday 9:45am)

Rock Steady Boxing is a one-of-a-kind program providing a uniquely effective form of physical exercise to people who are living with Parkinson’s. Exercises are largely adapted from boxing drills. Training classes include an exercise program that attacks Parkinson’s at its vulnerable neurological points while focusing on overall fitness.

Boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork, and overall strength to defend against and overcome opponents. At Rock Steady Boxing, Parkinson’s disease is the opponent. Exercises vary in purpose and form but share one common trait: they are rigorous and intended to extend the perceived capabilities of the participant.

For Direct Branch information please contact:

Caldwell YMCA – 208-454-9622: Candy

Tomlinson South YMCA – 208-331-9622: April

West YMCA – 208-377-9622: Kiku

YMCA Community HUB – 208-344-5502 ext 276: Mary

Wellness Passport is a small group program offered in collaboration between St. Luke’s Neurosciences Rehabilitation and the YMCA Healthy Living Center.  This small group class is for individuals recovering from and/or living with neurological inquires such as:

• Stroke
• Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Other Related Conditions

Benefits or participating in this program may include:

• Improved Body Awareness
• Increased Strength
• Progressive exercises to improve Flexibility and Balance
• Small classes for individualized adaption of exercises

Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 – 2:00pm.

Programs Fees: Members $45/month, Non-Members $70/month.  Financial Assistance Available.

This program meets at the Y Community Hub located at 805 W Franklin Street, Boise.  For questions or to register please contact Mary Biddle – Newberry @ 208-344-5502, ext. 276 or [email protected].