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I started out with videogames as kid. I had a mid-1970s Odyssey Pong console, then an Atari 2600 (which I still think was the best ever), and few others over time.
I’m not a hardcore gamer. I like games I can play for 2-3 minutes and then move on. I don’t like long storylines, just mild amusement.
When the Wii came out several years ago, I got one about a year after its release. It’s fun. I play it with my kids. But it’s also become a big part of my practice, and it is the only video game system I’ve ever recommended to patients.
In the years since the launch of the Wii, I’ve recommended it to many patients. In particular, the balance exercises on Wii Fit for Parkinson’s disease are excellent. I recommend the bowling and tennis games for patients who used to play to keep active, but now can’t for various reasons. I started suggesting the Wii as an afterthought. I have been surprised how many patients have liked it and found it therapeutic.
Back in training, I never imagined I’d be recommending video games to patients, but times change, as does technology. While they’ll never get the attention a shiny 3T MRI or new deep brain stimulation procedure might, to me video games are still a part of treatment. Just like Sinemet (carbidopa-levodopa), Neurontin (gabapentin), and physical therapy, they have a niche when used on the right patients. (For skeptics, there are studies, for example, in Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and gait and posture in Alzheimer’s disease, although I came to the treatment from personal experience.)
I’ve had a few doctors and even patient’s families argue with me about the Wii. I’m not claiming it’s a cure. But if something can help patients get better or keep them in age-appropriate condition, I don’t see any harm in it, especially if they have fun while doing it.
Dr. Block has a solo neurology practice in Scottsdale, Ariz. He has no financial relationship with Nintendo.
I started out with videogames as kid. I had a mid-1970s Odyssey Pong console, then an Atari 2600 (which I still think was the best ever), and few others over time.
I’m not a hardcore gamer. I like games I can play for 2-3 minutes and then move on. I don’t like long storylines, just mild amusement.
When the Wii came out several years ago, I got one about a year after its release. It’s fun. I play it with my kids. But it’s also become a big part of my practice, and it is the only video game system I’ve ever recommended to patients.
In the years since the launch of the Wii, I’ve recommended it to many patients. In particular, the balance exercises on Wii Fit for Parkinson’s disease are excellent. I recommend the bowling and tennis games for patients who used to play to keep active, but now can’t for various reasons. I started suggesting the Wii as an afterthought. I have been surprised how many patients have liked it and found it therapeutic.
Back in training, I never imagined I’d be recommending video games to patients, but times change, as does technology. While they’ll never get the attention a shiny 3T MRI or new deep brain stimulation procedure might, to me video games are still a part of treatment. Just like Sinemet (carbidopa-levodopa), Neurontin (gabapentin), and physical therapy, they have a niche when used on the right patients. (For skeptics, there are studies, for example, in Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and gait and posture in Alzheimer’s disease, although I came to the treatment from personal experience.)
I’ve had a few doctors and even patient’s families argue with me about the Wii. I’m not claiming it’s a cure. But if something can help patients get better or keep them in age-appropriate condition, I don’t see any harm in it, especially if they have fun while doing it.
Dr. Block has a solo neurology practice in Scottsdale, Ariz. He has no financial relationship with Nintendo.
I started out with videogames as kid. I had a mid-1970s Odyssey Pong console, then an Atari 2600 (which I still think was the best ever), and few others over time.
I’m not a hardcore gamer. I like games I can play for 2-3 minutes and then move on. I don’t like long storylines, just mild amusement.
When the Wii came out several years ago, I got one about a year after its release. It’s fun. I play it with my kids. But it’s also become a big part of my practice, and it is the only video game system I’ve ever recommended to patients.
In the years since the launch of the Wii, I’ve recommended it to many patients. In particular, the balance exercises on Wii Fit for Parkinson’s disease are excellent. I recommend the bowling and tennis games for patients who used to play to keep active, but now can’t for various reasons. I started suggesting the Wii as an afterthought. I have been surprised how many patients have liked it and found it therapeutic.
Back in training, I never imagined I’d be recommending video games to patients, but times change, as does technology. While they’ll never get the attention a shiny 3T MRI or new deep brain stimulation procedure might, to me video games are still a part of treatment. Just like Sinemet (carbidopa-levodopa), Neurontin (gabapentin), and physical therapy, they have a niche when used on the right patients. (For skeptics, there are studies, for example, in Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and gait and posture in Alzheimer’s disease, although I came to the treatment from personal experience.)
I’ve had a few doctors and even patient’s families argue with me about the Wii. I’m not claiming it’s a cure. But if something can help patients get better or keep them in age-appropriate condition, I don’t see any harm in it, especially if they have fun while doing it.
Dr. Block has a solo neurology practice in Scottsdale, Ariz. He has no financial relationship with Nintendo.