Regular Exercise May Slow Brain Degeneration in Parkinson's Disease

Recent research indicates that engaging in consistent physical activity can be linked to a slower progression of neurodegeneration in individuals with early Parkinson's disease (PD). A longitudinal study published in the journal Neurology examined data from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative, focusing on patients who regularly participated in physical activities over several years. The study involved 120 early-stage PD patients who underwent serial MRI scans to assess brain structural changes.

Findings revealed that higher levels of regular physical activity were associated with reduced cortical thinning in key brain regions, such as the temporoparietal cortex—including the fusiform and parahippocampal gyri—and the inferior parietal cortex. Additionally, participants with more consistent activity showed preserved volumes in the hippocampus and amygdala, areas crucial for memory and emotional processing.

The slower decline in cortical thickness and hippocampal volume was linked to better maintenance of cognitive functions like memory and attention. Dr. Pablo Mir from the University of Seville emphasized that exercise might influence not just symptoms but also the disease's progression by affecting brain structures involved in cognitive abilities.

This research suggests that incorporating regular physical activity could serve as a non-pharmacological strategy to potentially delay neurodegeneration and preserve cognitive functions in Parkinson's disease. Further studies are ongoing to better understand these associations and how exercise can be optimized for neuroprotective benefits.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-regular-linked-slower-neurodegeneration-parkinson.html