Shared from parkinsonsnewstoday.com.
A group of U.S. veterans with Parkinson’s disease has added a novel tool to their therapeutic regimen: building with Legos.
For about a year, the group, based out of the Central Virginia Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, has been building Lego creations to exercise their motor skills and engage with others who also served in the country’s military.
The sessions were launched by Jessica Kaplan, a VA clinical nurse coordinator, who noted in a news story from the VA that the veterans in the program have overwhelmingly given it positive feedback.
“The one thing I hear again and again is that they like this because it’s hard,” Kaplan said, of the group’s efforts — right now, building an outdoor recreation scene with Legos.
“Building a set or creating a new scene gives a sense of accomplishment that Parkinson’s disease can rob them of in other areas of their life,” Kaplan said. “It’s not only good for their motor skills, but it keeps people engaged and social. It’s really special to see.”
The program has helped build a sense of community, per Kaplan.