DanceBack Against Parkinson’s disease

What common thread connects the lives of Brett Favre, Michael Clapier, Neil Diamond, Dan Gwin, Michael J. Fox and Linda Ronstadt? They are courageous artists and athletes who have confronted the challenges of Parkinson's disease (PD) with determination and resilience. Refusing to yield to the debilitating effects of the condition, they continue to inspire others to live life to the fullest, regardless of the obstacles.

A theater major in college, local resident Michael Clapier has enjoyed a diverse career as a dancer, stand-up comedian, and, for over 30 years, a wrestling coach. Even after receiving a

PD diagnosis five years ago, a quick smile and a firm handshake remain trademarks of his outlook on life. 

Michael Clapier decided to DanceBack Against Parkinson’s disease instead of “fight back.” His mission statement includes helping as many people as possible improve muscle movement in a supportive environment. (Photo courtesy Linda Clapier)

 “My wife Linda and I have always walked together, and gradually we noticed a change,” Clapier said. “I slumped, shuffled, and could not stand straight. Soon friends were asking what was wrong. Not long after, I sat down with my doctor and asked, ‘Why am I so tired? I feel like I can’t move.’ She looked at me and said, ‘You might have Parkinson’s.' A conversation with a neurologist later confirmed it: ‘Yeah, you’ve got it.’"

After receiving medical advice from his doctor, Clapier began doing some research on his own about PD. He came across a conversation with Joanna Hamilton, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, of Advanced Neurobiological Health of Southern California, who indicated that movement might be a beneficial way of slowing the progression of the disease.

Clapier started thinking about his athletic and dance background and what could be done to fight back against his physical and mental deteriorating condition caused in part by a dopamine deficiency. Dopamine is a neurochemical transmitter that controls movement and emotion. In Parkinson's disease, the brain cells that produce dopamine are damaged. As the disease progresses, more cells die, and the brain produces less dopamine, leading to greater movement difficulties.

“Parkinson’s disease studies have found movement as beneficial as any of our pharmacological agents,” Clapier said. “From this information, I then asked myself this question: if there is no cure for PD and movement may slow its progression of the disease, how could I create an enjoyable way to gain movement? My life experience has trained me to find a better way to create a difference when faced with a challenge. As a dancer, athlete and entertainer, I understand how to condition, stretch and strengthen the muscles that move us. Reflecting on this, I recognized the great power of movement, and realized I could help both myself and others who are experiencing this condition."

Recognizing the importance of physical activity, The Parkinson’s Foundation suggests a minimum of 2.5 hours of movement a week. To support this goal, The Dance Box Studio graciously opened its space for Michael Clapier, where he now teaches dance twice weekly. (Photo courtesy Linda Clapier)

 Clapier decided to DanceBack Against Parkinson’s Disease instead of fight back. His mission statement includes helping as many people as possible improve muscle movement in a supportive environment. He envisioned meeting people at their level, focusing on large muscle movement, accelerating the heart rate, stretching, cross-hemisphere brain function movement and improving balance. 

Recognizing the importance of physical activity, The Parkinson’s Foundation suggests a minimum of 2.5 hours of movement a week. To support this goal, The Dance Box Studio graciously opened its space for Clapier, where he now teaches dance twice weekly. Additionally, Clapier extends his DanceBack reach by visiting assisted living centers during the week to help residents achieve their movement goals. Through his consistent dedication, Clapier is making a difference in the lives of those affected by Parkinson's disease.

Former Utah Symphony cellist and bass player Dan Gwin has been living with Parkinson’s disease for 17 years. Gwin says lifting his cello bow to the strings has now become challenging. During a recent DanceBack class, the heavy beat of Keith Urban’s "Texas Time" flowed through the speakers; Clapier extended his hand to Gwin, helping him out of his wheelchair to provide support; Linda Clapier was soon by Gwin’s other side, helping to provide balance. Immediately, Gwin smiled and began to pick up the dance steps with little effort and in perfect rhythm to the country tune, “Come on let’s get back on Texas Time!”

“We strongly believe that our DanceBack program can help people with PD,” Linda Clapier said. “We can choose to cry or we can choose to laugh. Michael and I chose not to cry.  While our dance program can not cure the disease, those who visit our studio and participate in our classes begin to experience the benefits of movement for symptoms and conditions such as depression, anxiety, physical limitations and feelings of isolation that many face as a result of the condition.”

Parkinson’s disease is rising in the U.S.

Neurological disorders are now the leading source of disability worldwide, and PD is the fastest-growing neurological disorder. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with the condition. This number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.

Who has Parkinson’s disease? Each year, approximately 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD. The incidence of the condition increases with age; however, an estimated 4% of people are diagnosed before the age of 50.

How does Utah compare with the U.S.? In Utah, there are more than 6,500 individuals living with PD. In 2022, Utah had the highest rate of Parkinson's disease-related deaths per 100,000 people in the United States, as reported by the Parkinson’s Foundation.

In a recent conversation with Dr. Jumana Alshaikh, a neurologist and movement disorders specialist at the University of Utah Health Center, the high prevalence of PD in Utah is an interesting observation that is not fully understood yet. It is thought that the high prevalence of PD in Utah could be caused by an interplay of genetic predisposition in combination with certain environmental factors and healthcare awareness and diagnosis.

Research suggests age, gender, genetics and environment play a role in developing the disease

Most people diagnosed with PD are around 60 years old, and men are 50% more likely to develop the condition than women. Former NFL player Brett Favre was diagnosed with PD in 2024 at age 54, attributing his condition to possibly suffering over 1,000 concussions during his 20-season career. Although medical opinions widely vary, a 2020 study published in Family Medicine and Community Health supports his theory, stating that a single concussion increases the risk of developing Parkinson's by 57%. Favre now advocates for football player safety.

Actor Michael J. Fox a well-known advocate for people with Parkinson's disease was diagnosed with the condition at age 29. He feels partying may have contributed to his Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 1991. Fox has made the statement; “Genetics loads the gun and environment pulls the trigger.”

Dale Heaps, a participant in DanceBack Against Parkinson’s Disease, believes that his career as a historical documentation specialist may have contributed to his PD from years of exposure to the chemicals on the adhesive tape that he was frequently exposed to during document restoration.

Dale Heaps (right), a participant in DanceBack Against Parkinson’s disease believes that his career as a historical documentation specialist may have contributed to his PD from years of exposure to the chemicals on the adhesive tape that he was frequently exposed to during document restoration. (Photo courtesy Linda Clapier)

 “We do think that environmental factors could play a role in the risk for developing PD,” Alshaikh said. “For many of those environmental factors that could be associated with a higher risk of PD we don’t have high quality evidence yet to directly blame that environmental factor as the cause, since association does not necessarily mean causation. Also, many people are exposed to these same environmental factors and never get PD.”

Exercise has been found to be one of the most effective treatments for PD

“Although exercise is great for many reasons,” Alshaikh said, “exercise does not cure PD or reverse the brain damage that has already happened. Still, exercise is important for PD patients for the following reasons. 

1. It can slow down the rate at which the disease is progressing in the brain. 
2. It can train PD patients to make their movements faster and bigger. 
3. It can improve the response to PD medications making them work better and feel more effective. 
4. It can improve cognition and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. 
5. Exercise enhances mood and can help improve anxiety and depression. 
6. Improved sleep quality, improved healthy gut movement. 
7. Increased mobility and reduced pain related to muscle stiffness, helps keep bones strong. 
8. Exercise reduces the risk of other health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease that could further negatively impact quality of life for patients with PD.

Prioritize a healthy lifestyle and positive outlook

According to Alshaikh, PD can manifest differently in each person. Symptoms, challenges and the rate of progression vary widely. Seeing someone with more advanced symptoms doesn’t necessarily predict one’s future, as each journey with PD is distinct. It’s important to focus on the things you can control. Prioritize brain health, maintain an active lifestyle through regular exercise, and establish care with a neurologist experienced in treating PD. 

Alshaikh said, “Remember, while PD may present challenges, there is power in focusing on what you can do today to improve your well-being and contribute to the larger fight against the disease.”

A call to action

April is Parkinson’s awareness month. Get involved by helping to make a difference for those living with Parkinson’s disease.

“You can contribute to the fight against PD by volunteering for research studies that advanced our understanding and treatment of the disease,” Alshaikh suggests. “Alternatively, you could support the community by donating time, resources or money or by sharing your story to raise awareness and inspire others.”

Development Manager for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation, Kristin Courington, invites everyone to participate in “Moving Day” Saturday, May 3 at Liberty Park. Moving Day is an inspiring and empowering annual fundraising walk event that unites people around the country living with PD, their care partners and loved ones to help beat PD. Moving Day is more than just a walk. It’s a celebration of movement – proven to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms.

Join Michael and Linda Clapier at The Dance Box Studio, 4707 S. Holladay Boulevard, to DanceBack against Parkinson’s disease. For more information about the class schedule, text Michael at 801-809-7264 or email him at [email protected].

Join the Parkinson’s Foundation for Moving Day Salt Lake City on May 3 at Liberty Park to walk in support of the community. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. Vendors will be sharing their resources for the community, there will be exercise demonstrations, entertainment, food, prizes and the 1.5-mile walk around Liberty Park.

To make a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation visit: www.movingDaySaltLakeCity.org.

For more information about the Parkinson’s Foundation contact Kristin Courington at [email protected].

Sidney Heil, Parkinson’s Outreach Department of Neurology, University of Utah, is a resource for people who have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Contact her at 801-585-2354.