Parkinson’s patients may protect memory and movement with one simple habit
Ryu pointed out that the potential benefits of physical activity for Parkinson’s patients may depend on how long they stay active and whether they continue exercising over time.
“While our study found small differences between activity levels, these differences may become more meaningful over time,” he said.
“Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes movement and cognitive problems that gradually worsen, leading to disability and a loss of independence,” a study author said. (iStock)
The researchers cautioned that most participants had relatively strong thinking and memory skills when the study began, so additional research is needed to confirm the findings.
“Exercise has well-established benefits for physical fitness and mobility, along with potential benefits for brain health through mechanisms that are not yet fully understood,” Dr. Vibhash Sharma, a neurologist at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas, who specializes in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, told Fox News Digital.
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“These findings further emphasize the importance of regular physical activity in managing Parkinson’s disease.”
One of the strengths of the study is that patients were followed over several years, with assessments of both motor and cognitive function, noted Sharma, who was not involved in the research.
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The study did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.
Because the study was observational, it could not establish whether exercise directly slows Parkinson’s disease progression.
Because participants reported their own physical activity, they may not have accurately remembered how much they exercised. (iStock)
Also, as participants reported their own physical activity, they may not have accurately remembered how much they exercised.
The participants were all located at a single location and were primarily White, which could limit the generalizability of the results, the researchers noted.
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“It is also possible that patients with inherently slower-progressing disease are more likely to remain physically active,” Sharma added.
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Randomized studies are needed to confirm whether exercise directly slows cognitive or motor decline, according to the researchers.
The study was supported by a grant from the Gardner Family Foundation and the Precision Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases Fund.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/parkinsons-patients-protect-memory-movement-simple-habit