WE’RE HERE FOR YOU.

We humans are social animals.That may be difficult to recall in light of the anti-social edicts that we have been subject to over the last year and a half: mask wearing, working from home, and social distancing. Still, observing another’s smile, laughter, or tears allows us to “feel for that person.” These and other actions or behaviors cause us to empathize with them. Perhaps, put another way, we can “connect with what they are experiencing.”

This process all starts with nerve cells in our brains called “mirror neurons.” These cells, which are located in various areas of the brain, allow us to respond in kind to other’s actions, touches, or emotions.

We respond this way to all animals, our pets included. This may explain why therapy dogs can have a significantly positive impact on patients’ health and the trajectory of their disease processes. The patient is exposed to the animal’s love.

Taken a step further, this may also have contributed to the downfall taken by many elderly and infirmed nursing home and hospital residents after family members and friends were barred from visiting them due to Covid precautions.

Mirror neurons actually cause us to mimic the behavior observed in other people or animals. They also can be stimulated by one's own emotions or actions. Researchers have found that these special nerve cells help to heal the damage caused by both Parkinson’s and stroke. You see, these mirror neurons help by “mimicking” the behavior observed, and they are activated by watching others.

The researchers used a specific exercise app, called 9zest, to study the effects on Parkinson’s patients. The concept is this: by using this app and having patients watch the exercises being performed, they will activate undamaged mirror neurons in their brains. This then “primes” the brain and body to “mimic the movements” once the patients are able to begin performing the same exercise.

This amazing app also assesses the patient’s current status through a series of questions and performance tests. A customized exercise program can then be developed specifically for that patient’s level of ability. The app contains a library of specific exercises designed for those with Parkinson’s. The app also supports and encourages the patient through a series of prompts, graded tasks, goal setting, and direct feedback.

The research demonstrated that after 12 weeks, balance, mobility, leg strength, and quality of life for these Parkinson’s patients noted improvement in all of these areas. Amazingly, 63 percent of Parkinson’s patients involved in this study noted improvement in their symptoms.

But we need to be able to see, touch, and experience each other in order for this to happen. And it's safe to say, empathy can go along way in improving many other conditions in our lives. So while we need to remain cautious during the outbreak of any contagious disease, do not forget that our connections keep us alive.