Is Exercise a Brain-Changer for Parkinson’s Disease?

Clinical Takeaway

: More physical activity was associated with slower brain thinning among patients with early Parkison’s disease.

Context

Studies on exercise in Parkinson’s disease suggest that it is good for general health and has some positive symptomatic effect. But does it change the structure of the brain and benefit cognitive health? In this longitudinal observational study, researchers examined associations between regular physical activity and rates of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in 120 patients with early Parkinson’s disease who participated in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative. Patients had serial assessments of regular physical activity using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and received MRI scans at two timepoints during 4 years.

Key Results

Higher average regular physical activity levels measured over time were significant…

Reviewing Author

Michael S. Okun, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America

Speaker’s BureauMedscape/WebMD CME, Movement Disorders Society CME, American Academy of Neurology CME

RoyaltiesBooks4Patients; Demos; Cambridge; Taylor and Francis; Robert Rose; Public Affairs

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; Parkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America; University of Florida Foundation

Editorial BoardsTremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements; JAMA Neurology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesParkinson’s Foundation (Medical Advisor)