Regular Exercise Tied to Slower Movement and Memory Decline in Parkinson’s
A study following 294 adults with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease for up to seven years found that greater physical activity was associated with slower declines in movement and cognition. Researchers measured weekly moderate and vigorous activity and assessed participants annually. The findings show an association but do not prove that exercise directly slows disease progression.
The study tracked 294 people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s, average age 66, for as long as seven years. Participants self-reported weekly activity from work, household tasks, and recreation, and researchers assessed thinking and movement each year.
Cognitive scores used a 30-point scale; the least active group declined about 0.478 points yearly, the middle group 0.090, and the most active group 0.007. On a 132-point movement scale where higher means worse, the least active group worsened slightly, while more active groups improved. Age, sex, and disease duration were considered.
If confirmed, these findings could encourage clinicians and patients to view regular activity as one part of Parkinson’s care, potentially helping preserve independence and reduce caregiver strain. People with mild-to-moderate disease and their families may be most directly affected. However, because the study shows association only, it should not be treated as proof that exercise changes disease progression.