I know we discussed how our motor symptoms seem almost like a learning disorder, so I was thrilled to see this amazing presentation by neuroscientist V. S. Ramachandran on TED TV who spoke on his area of expertise "On Your mind"

The entire presentation is worth watching but pay close attention to the middle segment starting at 9:31 where he begins talking about phantom limbs and paralysis. I immediately connected it to freezing because I have learned that I can control it with my thoughts. If a person can learn paralysis, can we learn freezing or other motor symptoms? Ramachandran comes up with a brilliant easy resolution using a $3 mirror. I don't want to give the rest away, just watch it and share what you think.

I left a comment in which I had planned to ask him if he thought his theory and solution might transfer to treating PD because he mentioned that it might help with dystonia. Can we unlearn some of our symptoms? I ran a quick Google search first and learned he is already looking into that. Following are the TED link and his 2009 article in Brain.

I think that if this worked, it could revolutionize our current negative, it's a losing battle approach to treating PD patients. At the very least it affirms the link between mind, body, and well-being.

VS Ramachandran on Your Mind: TED Talks

The use of visual feedback, in particular mirror visual feedback, in restoring brain function. VS Ramachandran. Brain 2009