Positive Effects of Exercise on Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

The Journal of Parkinson’s Disease has recently highlighted the beneficial impacts of exercise on non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. While many envision Parkinson’s disease as primarily affecting movement through symptoms like tremors or instability, it is essential to recognize that the disease also influences various non-motor functions.

Parkinson’s disease arises from the progressive degeneration of neurons in the brain responsible for producing the neurotransmitter dopamine. A decline in dopamine levels disrupts normal brain activity, leading to a range of symptoms beyond just motor issues.

The Multi-System Nature of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is increasingly recognized as a multi-system disorder, with non-motor symptoms significantly affecting an individual’s overall quality of life. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease; available treatments include medications and major surgical options aimed at managing symptoms rather than eliminating the disease.

Research on Exercise and Cognitive Function

In early 2019, researchers conducted a thorough review of randomized controlled trials from various institutions, publishing their findings in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. While most existing research has focused on the effects of exercise on motor symptoms, this study specifically examined the influence of different exercise types on cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

The review incorporated data from 11 studies involving over 500 patients, categorizing the severity of symptoms according to the Hoehn & Yahr scale, a recognized framework for assessing Parkinson’s disease progression.

Exercise and Cognitive Improvement

The findings indicated that exercise positively impacted cognitive functions, particularly in areas such as memory, executive function, and overall cognitive performance. Additionally, patients experienced a reduction in the severity of their Parkinson’s disease symptoms following exercise interventions. While all forms of exercise contributed to improved cognitive function, the study did not establish if one type was definitively superior to another.

For instance, the authors noted that aerobic exercise appeared to enhance memory significantly, yet different modalities of aerobic exercise, such as stationary biking or treadmill training, may vary in effectiveness. Importantly, this study represents a pioneering effort to demonstrate that cognitive symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease can be addressed through exercise without the need for medications or surgical procedures.

Implications of the Research

In a press release, Stuckenschneider emphasized the importance of recognizing exercise as part of a holistic therapy approach for maintaining or enhancing non-motor symptoms, including cognitive function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The research opens avenues for exploring new treatment strategies to combat the disease effectively.

Written by Stephanie C. Tsang

References

Downward, E. (n.d.). Diagnosis – Rating Scales. Retrieved from https://parkinsonsdisease.net/diagnosis/rating-scales-staging/

Murray, D. (n.d.). Exercise can improve non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-03/ip-eci030419.php

Parkinson’s disease. (2018, June 30). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055

Stuckenschneider, T., Askew, C. D., Menêses, A. L., Baake, R., Weber, J., & Schneider, S. (2019). The Effect of Different Exercise Modes on Domain-Specific Cognitive Function in Patients Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, 9(1), 73-95. doi:10.3233/jpd-181484