Simple Method Revealed to Slow the Progression of Parkinson's Disease

Regular physical activity may slow decline in memory, thinking and motor function in people with Parkinson's disease. Scientists from the University of Cincinnati came to this conclusion. The study results were published in the journal Neurology.

The study involved 294 people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. The average age of participants was 66 years. Their condition was monitored for up to seven years, with annual assessments of memory, thinking and the severity of motor disorders.

Participants were divided into three groups based on the duration of physical activity: up to four hours per week, four to eight hours, and more than eight hours. Not only training was taken into account, but also brisk walking, swimming, housework and other daily activities.

In people with low activity, test scores for memory and thinking decreased by an average of 0.478 points on a 30-point scale each year. With average activity the decrease was 0.09 points, and with high activity it was only 0.007 points.

Similar differences were found in motor functions. In the least active participants, the severity of symptoms gradually increased, while in the more active participants, on average, scores improved.

The researchers also found that both total duration of physical activity and intensity of physical activity were associated with slower decline.

The authors believe that regular movement may play an important role in maintaining independence in people with Parkinson's disease.