Ping Pong Therapy For Parkinson's Coming To Bergen

WESTWOOD, NJ- A New York-based non-profit committed to helping those facing Parkinson’s Disease through games of table tennis is coming to Bergen County.

Ping Pong Parkinson will hold its first-ever meeting in New Jersey on Feb. 6 at the Wang Chen Table Tennis Club in Westwood. The new group, set to meet Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., gives players of all skill levels a chance to play table tennis as a way to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 10 years ago, Nenad Bach, a Croatian-American musician, found that his symptoms were impeding his ability to play music. But, once a friend introduced him to table tennis, Bach noticed his motor skills and mood seemed to improve when he played.

Encouraged by his neurologists, who confirmed his improved status, Bach recruited Will Shortz, crossword puzzle editor of the New York Times and owner of the Westchester Table Tennis Center, Dr. Art Dubow, and Irene Silbert to help him officially establish Ping Pong Parkinson in 2017.

According to Ping Pong Parkinson, table tennis is beneficial because it engages motor and cognitive skills, such as visuospatial attention, motor planning/sequencing, processing speed, and executive skills such as strategy formation and problem solving. It is also a fun way to interact with others, the organization said.

On Thursday, Bach, Dr. Art Dubow, Dr. Elizabeth Kera, neuropsychologist from the North Jersey Neurodevelopmental Center, and Dr. Elana Clar, neurologist from the North Jersey Brain and Spine Center, will be on hand to celebrate the inaugural event.

Refreshments will be provided by Abbott, a sponsor of the event, and paddles and balls are provided at the center. Volunteers are also needed and welcome to join.

• Where: The Wang Chen Table Tennis Club, 41 Bergenline Ave, Westwood, NJ 07675
• When: Thursday, Feb 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Fee: $8/1 session