Many of us have been told how important regular exercise is for our physical and mental health. What many people do not know is how impactful regular, life-long exercise is on our neurological health as well. One neurological disease that exercise has a tremendous impact on is Parkinson's Disease (PD). PD is an incurable neurodegenerative disease that directly impacts motor control. Many people may associate the PD with constant tremors and a shuffling gait, two of many distinct symptoms of the disease. These symptoms, however, are caused by a buildup of protein deposits in the brain called Lewy bodies. These deposits slowly destroy neurons within the central nervous system (CNS), specifically dopaminergic neurons. These neurons play a role in motor control, which is why people with PD experience the previously stated symptoms. There are many environmental factors that could contribute to someone developing PD, but research within the past couple of decades finds there are cases of genetic causation as well.
Regardless of the reasons someone developed PD, all cases are treated similarly across the board. Although there are pharmaceutical drugs that aid the symptoms of the disease, the side effects are undesirable to say the least. However, exercise is proven to do wonders in preventing development of the disease. Studies show that in patients that perform regular, life-long exercise exhibit signs and are diagnosed with PD years after patients who do not regularly exercise. Patients who have regularly exercised retain a much greater amount of dopaminergic neurons compared to patients who do not exercise, as well as experience much less motor and non-motor symptoms. It is shown that the quality of life of patients with PD who exercise is much greater than those who do not, and that even stands true for people who do not have PD. Exercise, overall, is really nothing but beneficial for us. Whether sick or healthy, regular, life-long exercise is our free medicine and should not be underestimated in any treatment plans.
Dr. Mary Makarious, a Loyola Chicago graduate, spoke to the NEUR 300 class at the end of September about the continued research that is taking place for PD. A lot of the research she works with is in regard to its role in genetics. She spoke a lot about the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program, also known as GP2. Through the majority of its funding coming through the Michael J. Fox Foundation, they have been able to make tremendous strides in PD research just within the past few years. The work of these scientists gives the world a better understanding of how PD works and manifests in the body. More and more genes correlating to PD are being found that can hopefully give rise to genetic treatments for PD in the years to come. Although it is still an incurable disease, better treatment plans are coming. The best thing we can do to prevent PD now is getting outside to exercise.
References:
Blauwendraat et al., Tackling a disease on a global scale, the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program, GP2: A new generation of opportunities, The American Journal of Human Genetics (2025), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajhg.2025.07.014
Langeskov-Christensen, Martin, et al. "Exercise as Medicine in Parkinson's Disease." Journal of Neurology, Neuroanatomy & Psychiatry, BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, 1 Nov. 2024, doi.org/10.1136/jnp-2023-332974
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