Exercise May Slow Parkinson's Progression by Up to Five Years, Study Suggests

An hour of daily exercise may help slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, potentially delaying the worsening of symptoms by up to five years, according to a recent study. Activities such as playing tennis, jogging, gardening, and even household chores like vacuuming were associated with a slower decline in motor and cognitive function.

The study, published in the journal Neurology, followed 294 Parkinson's patients with an average age of 66 for up to seven years. Researchers found that individuals who engaged in eight or more hours of physical activity per week experienced the slowest rate of decline in both movement and cognitive abilities.

"Our study found physical may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition," said Dr. Dong-Woo Ryu, the study's lead author. Experts believe exercise may protect the brain by improving blood flow, strengthening neural connections, and reducing inflammation, which collectively could help preserve physical and mental function.

Cognitive function was assessed using a standard 30-point test. Participants who were least physically active, engaging in up to four hours of exercise weekly, saw their scores decrease by approximately 0.48 points per year. In contrast, those exercising four to eight hours per week experienced declines of only 0.009 points annually. The group engaging in more than eight hours of weekly activity showed virtually no decline in cognitive scores.

While these differences may seem small, Dr. Ryu noted they could significantly impact a patient's daily life, potentially allowing them to live independently for longer periods. A similar pattern was observed for motor symptoms, which were tracked using a standard Parkinson's assessment measuring walking, posture, stiffness, and overall mobility. The most active participants consistently showed the slowest worsening of these motor symptoms.

"The possible benefits of physical activity for people with Parkinson's disease may depend on how long they stay active and whether they continue exercising over time," Dr. Ryu added.

Dr. Daniel Truong, a neurologist not involved in the study, commented that exercise remains a crucial strategy for managing Parkinson's, offering both symptom relief and potential disease-modifying effects, particularly when initiated early and performed consistently. He advises patients to start with small amounts of movement, even ten minutes, noting that improvements in balance, energy, and mood can be noticeable within weeks.

However, the study's authors stressed that its observational nature means it cannot definitively prove cause and effect. It is possible that patients with milder disease or better-preserved cognitive function were more capable of remaining physically active than those whose symptoms were more advanced.

These findings add to existing evidence supporting the benefits of exercise for Parkinson's patients. Previous research has highlighted the positive impact of activities like dancing on cognitive decline. The study also comes as a new daily pill, solengepras, has shown significant benefits in late-stage trials, offering hope for new treatment classes for the disease. Current treatments, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery, primarily manage symptoms but have not been proven to alter the underlying course of the disease.