Exercise May Slow Parkinson's Progression: A Double Benefit

Physical activity appears to offer a dual advantage for individuals with Parkinson's disease, potentially slowing the decline in memory, cognitive function, and movement. This finding comes from a recent study published in Neurology.

While the research highlights a connection between staying active and experiencing a slower progression of symptoms, it's important to note that the study identifies an association, not direct causation. Exercise does not yet have definitive proof of directly slowing the disease's advancement.

Parkinson's disease affects the brain, leading to progressive movement and cognitive issues that impact independence. Previous work touched on physical activity and motor symptoms. This new study indicates physical activity might benefit both movement and cognition simultaneously.

Researchers tracked 294 adults with mild to moderate Parkinson's for up to seven years. Participants, averaging 66 years old, reported their weekly hours of physical activity, encompassing work, home, and leisure. Activities were categorized by intensity, with brisk walking and household chores considered moderate, while running and team sports were more demanding.

The study analyzed activity in three ways: total moderate-to-vigorous activity time, a combined measure of duration and intensity (giving more weight to strenuous exercise), and time spent specifically on vigorous activities. Participants were grouped into least, moderately, and most active categories based on their total weekly exercise time.

Cognitive function was assessed annually using a 30-point test. The least active group saw an average yearly score decrease of 0.478 points. In contrast, the moderately active group's scores dropped by 0.090 points annually, and the most active group experienced a minimal decline of just 0.007 points, indicating near-stability in cognitive scores over time.

Motor symptoms were evaluated on a scale from 0 to 132, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. The least active group saw an annual increase of 0.143 points in symptom scores. The moderately active group showed a yearly decrease of 0.225 points, and the most active group recorded a decrease of 0.783 points per year.

Even after accounting for factors like age, sex, and disease duration, the most active participants showed slower cognitive decline and less worsening of movement symptoms compared to the least active group. This link held true across different measures of exercise intensity and volume.

The findings suggest sustained physical activity is crucial for those with Parkinson's. Small differences in decline rates can become significant over years. While differences observed in the study were small, they may accumulate meaningful benefits over time.

Researchers acknowledged a limitation: activity levels were self-reported, potentially leading to inaccuracies. Further research is needed to confirm if exercise directly slows symptom progression. This study adds to evidence connecting physical activity with better long-term outcomes in Parkinson's disease.