How some Calgarians are using boxing and tech to fight back against Parkinson's disease

It started with her hand shaking.

Shirley Jager began to notice the tremor about 15 years ago, and she decided to visit her family doctor to figure out why. He told her she had Parkinson's disease.

"It is very difficult for people to understand. Sometimes they think you're inebriated and sometimes they think that you're clumsy," she said. 

She began to take medication for the disease, but she knew she wanted to find more activities to keep her busy. 

At 79, she found the Grizzly Strides boxing program at Grizzly Boxing and Fitness in northeast Calgary. The program is specifically tailored toward people living with Parkinson's, allowing them to build up their balance, increase reaction time and interact with other Calgarians living with the disease.

Six years on, Jager says the program is a lifesaver.

"When I'm not able to get here, Parkinson's does get worse. You shake more … you just get sluggish, slumpy, and it's like walking around being fuzzy," she said.

Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease. Most commonly, it causes tremors, problems with balance and slow, stiff walking — freezing, some call it. According to Parkinson Canada, about 100,000 Canadians live with Parkinson's disease, and the number is rising. 

The causes of the disease still need more research, says Karen Lee, CEO of Parkinson Canada.

Aging is a definite risk factor. They're also looking at the impact of genes, pesticides and other environmental factors.

So far, there is no cure.

"There's a lot of medications and treatments to help minimize the symptoms that people may have from Parkinson's disease. It doesn't stop the disease progression," Lee said.

"[What's] really important is how do you live a fulfilling life? And I think doing exercise