Can Tai Chi Treat Parkinson’s Disease?
Looking at the science behind the headlines
As a society, we love a good news story about health. You see dozens of these a week, from the stories about coffee saving your life, to the industry-funded belief that blueberries are uniquely healthsome and good for your heart.
This week’s story is that Tai Chi — a Chinese martial art/form of gentle exercise that is popular with the elderly — can treat Parkinson’s disease. Having lost a family member to Parkinson’s, I read these headlines with great interest. If Tai Chi is really the secret to living longer with the condition, for which there is no cure, then it would be truly wonderful.
If you read the headlines, there’s serious reason to hope. Dozens of news stories are reporting that people with Parkinson’s disease can stave off the need for medication for years by practicing Tai Chi.
Unfortunately, the science behind these claims is really not that strong. While exercise in general is important for people with Parkinson’s, there’s no evidence that Tai Chi is any better than going for a walk.
