Physical Activity May Slow Cognitive and Motor Decline in Parkinson's Patients, Study Suggests

Weekly physical activity may play a role in slowing the progression of cognitive and motor impairments associated with Parkinson's disease, according to a study published on October 7 in the journal Neurology. The research, conducted by the University of Cincinnati, involved 294 participants with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease, who were, on average, 66 years old.

Participants reported their weekly physical activity through questionnaires, which detailed moderate and vigorous activities undertaken at work, home, and during recreation. Examples of moderate activities included brisk walking, light swimming, and household chores like vacuuming. Vigorous activities encompassed jogging, cycling, team sports, and tasks such as shoveling or carrying heavy loads.

The study monitored participants' cognitive health for up to five years and their motor function for up to seven years. Researchers found that each additional hour of physical activity per week was associated with a slightly slower decline in memory, thinking, and movement abilities over time. These associations persisted even after accounting for factors such as age, sex, education, weight, and the severity of the disease.

Participants engaging in four to eight hours of physical activity per week showed slower declines in memory and thinking compared to those who exercised less than four hours weekly. However, exercising more than eight hours per week did not appear to offer additional benefits for memory and thinking.

Dong-Woo Ryu, M.D., Ph.D., a study author from the University of Cincinnati and The Catholic University of Korea, stated that Parkinson's disease is a disorder that leads to progressively worsening movement and cognitive problems, potentially causing disability and loss of independence. Ryu noted that previous research has highlighted the link between physical activity and motor symptoms, and their study suggests that physical activity might offer dual benefits by being associated with slower declines in both movement and cognition.

Ryu emphasized that the long-term benefits of physical activity for Parkinson's patients could depend on the duration and consistency of exercise. He commented that while the study identified small differences between activity levels, these distinctions might become more significant over extended periods.

Dr. Vibhash Sharma, a neurologist at UT Southwestern specializing in Parkinson's disease and movement disorders, who was not involved in the research, noted that exercise has well-established benefits for physical fitness and mobility, as well as potential advantages for brain health through mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. He added that these findings reinforce the importance of regular physical activity in managing Parkinson's disease.

Sharma pointed out that a strength of the study was its longitudinal design, following patients over several years and assessing both motor and cognitive functions. However, the researchers acknowledged certain limitations. As an observational study, it could not establish a direct causal link between exercise and the slowing of Parkinson's disease progression.

Another limitation was that participants self-reported their physical activity, which could lead to inaccuracies in recalling exercise duration. Additionally, the study's participants were primarily from a single location and were predominantly White, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to broader populations. Sharma also suggested that individuals with slower-progressing forms of the disease might be more likely to remain physically active.

According to the study's authors, randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm whether exercise directly slows cognitive or motor decline in individuals with Parkinson's disease.