Physical exercise for Parkinson's disease

A new study demonstrates intensive exercise could decelerate the progression of Parkinson's disease by influencing brain plasticity. The research uncovers a novel mechanism underlying the positive effects of exercise, pinpointing its connection to motor control improvements.

Conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutes, this study can open avenues for non-pharmacological treatment approaches. The research also emphasizes the crucial role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a growth factor whose production is boosted by intensive physical activity.

The study elucidates a previously unobserved mechanism where exercise, when initiated in early stages of Parkinson's disease, induces lasting beneficial effects on motor control, even after discontinuing training.

Intensive physical activity was found to reduce the spread of pathological alpha-synuclein aggregates, a key contributor to the neuron dysfunction seen in Parkinson's disease.

Intensive exercise leads to an increase in BDNF levels, which in turn interacts with the NMDA receptor, enabling efficient neuronal response to stimuli.