Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder that affects the nervous system, specifically in a part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. The main target of this degenerative disease is dopamine, which Parkinson’s neutralizes. 

‍Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for a variety of functions in the human body, including muscle movement, pleasure, and memory. It is also connected to the reward center of the brain. 

In the case of Parkinson’s disease, this lack of dopamine reveals itself through tremors or rigidity of movement. People experiencing Parkinson’s can also suffer from depression and mood swings from insufficient dopamine levels. This disease is not totally uncommon, so if you have Parkinson’s and are looking for resources, know that you are far from being alone. 

Kizik wanted to create a shoe that was not just quirky and fun. Our shoes are about accessibility. We are grateful to be able to provide a resource that is more intuitive and less cumbersome. No matter where you are in your health journey, there is a hands-free shoe that is ready to support you. 

Read on to learn about Parkinson’s disease and how Kizik is designed with you and yours in mind. 

Causes of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease has a complicated diagnosis that is still being explored. It’s currently suspected that Parkinson’s may be passed genetically. However, the exact process for this has not been deciphered. It is also possible that environmental factors can influence its progenesis, such as if a person has been exposed to toxicity over time—such as carbon monoxide. 

The presence of Lewy bodies in the brain has also been noted in patients with Parkinson’s. These are clumps of microscopic brain cell substances that can be an indication of the disease.

Despite the uncertain connection between Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease, there is still no exact answer as to what causes Parkinson’s disease in patients. Additionally, this disease is incurable and often leads to complications later in life. 

Early signs of Parkinson’s disease

At an early stage, Parkinson’s may manifest in a few subtle ways, such as the arms not swinging while walking, a lack of expression on the face, blinking slowly, or a blending and softening of the speech. A person may notice a single tremor in their body as a very early sign. 

Parkinson’s is somewhat mysterious in that its causes are not easy to predict. Typically it does not appear until age 60, and if it appears sooner than that it is considered young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD). 

The disease is slightly more likely to develop in men than in women. 

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Tremors, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia are the common trifecta of Parkinson’s symptoms. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, a patient must be experiencing bradykinesia (the slowness of movement) and at least one of the other main symptoms for Parkinson’s to be considered a potential diagnosis.

Due to the lack of dopamine, the brain cannot regulate muscle movement, meaning that involuntary movements and the inability to control movement are common experiences of those with the disease. This will often lead to a shift in how a person walks and acts. That said, there is no exact way that Parkinson’s will manifest in each person who experiences it. 

There can be cognitive effects of Parkinson’s as well. A person with Parkinson’s may notice a significant change in their speech and writing abilities. Memory can suffer, as can a person’s balance. Thankfully, there are treatment options that can offer a better quality of life. 

Treatment for Parkinson’s disease

Though Parkinson’s disease has not been fully solved, there are definitely treatment options for those who discover they have this disorder. The goal is to balance medications so that the patient experiences bradykinesia as little as possible. Achieving chemical equilibrium with the lack of dopamine is critical for creating a feeling of normalcy in the patient’s life. 

Levodopa, amantadine, dopamine agonists, and MAO-B inhibitors are all medicinal options that can help regulate the body by supplementing a substitute for the dopamine lacking in the brain. Music therapy and exercise can also be highly beneficial to the patient’s health. 

Retraining the brain to be stable in this new lifestyle is important for renewing the connection between the mind and body and ultimately nurturing peace within the patient. A treatment plan should be tailored for each person and their journey as they learn how to cope with Parkinson’s and work on getting back to feeling like themselves.

How Kizik can help people with Parkinson’s disease

When battling Parkinson’s disease, it can take some time before a patient finds the right treatment plan for their own chemical balancing act. In the meantime, it is crucial to incorporate resources that make the little things a little bit easier. This is where Kizik comes in. 

Getting in and out of a chair can be exhausting and painstakingly slow for Parkinson’s patients. Putting on shoes can be too. Kizik is proud to offer its hands-free technology for all people, but especially for users who need shoes that make getting ready to go each day as accessible as possible. 

Our reliability comes from the unique, adaptive titanium arc in the shoe heel. It’s flexible enough to make space for the incoming foot and springy enough to bounce back around the heel. It’s a technology that will safely and effectively guide your heel where it needs to be without any extra motions or unnecessary tasks. This technology will ensure that you are able to get your foot in the shoe every time without any trouble.

And with our Rabbit Foam™ outsoles, you’ll have the best shoes to support you in complete comfort. With our superior rubber outsole cushioning your every step, you’ll have more energy and bounce to get out and spend your day doing what you enjoy.

And because exercise is recommended for remedying the symptoms of Parkinson’s, a pair of Kizik shoes can easily be worn in and out of the gym or on a walk. Better yet: get two pairs of Kiziks, not only because they’re great, but also because you can have one pair as walking shoes and another pair for every day. Kizik has a variety of styles to choose from, all of which are a combination of sleek and sensible, while still retaining a functionality that can’t be beat.

Why will Kizik be helpful?

Not only does Kizik have technology specifically to relieve the user, but there is clearly no sacrificing fashion for function when you’re wearing trendy athleisure shoes. 

Pick a shoe that reflects you and that you can rely on to get you where you want to go with a little more speed and ease. Parkinson’s is a disease that often takes some time to become accustomed to living with. That’s why Kizik wants to be a resource of stability during a potentially rocky time in a person’s life.   

Kizik is the top competitor in hands-free shoes and is rated highly for its ease and style. When it comes to taking care of yourself, especially if faced with Parkinson’s disease, you should only be pursuing the best for yourself. Kiziks are easy to put on, simple to style with any outfit, and have plenty of traction to keep you steady throughout your day-to-day life. 

Conclusion 

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that attacks the nervous system, which can alter bodily movements and inhibit control. Often, it can impair motor skills and slow down processes like getting dressed for the day or preparing a meal. There are a lot of instances where someone with Parkinson’s may need help, but Kizik can be an opportunity for independence. 

Kizik is a resource for anyone experiencing difficulty putting their shoes on each day. In conjunction with the hands-free technology, users can experience the easy access of putting on their shoes by themselves. Once the shoes have been laced up, you’ll never need to tie your laces again.

Parkinson’s disease does not have the final say on whether or not you get to be on your feet. A treatment plan that is made for you, plus a community and support system around you, will be essential to your journey. Kizik is grateful to be able to be a part of that support system.  

Kizik wants to make sure you aren’t spending valuable moments putting on and lacing your shoes each day. We want this part to be easy. If you, a family member, or someone you love has Parkinson’s, then look no further for a reliable shoe that can grant the wearer a feeling of autonomy and ease. 

Sources:

‍Parkinson's disease - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic

‍Dopamine: What It Is, Function & Symptoms | Cleveland Clinic

‍Bradykinesia (Slowness of Movement) | Parkinson's Foundation