People with Parkinson’s disease who remain physically active may experience slower declines in both cognition and movement, according to a seven-year study that suggests staying active offers dual benefits as the disease progresses.
The research, published in Neurology, followed 294 adults with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease, with an average age of 66 years. Participants reported their weekly physical activity levels through questionnaires covering work, household tasks and recreational activities.
Based on total weekly activity time, participants were categorised into three groups: least active (up to four hours), moderately active (four to eight hours) and most active (more than eight hours per week).
The findings revealed striking differences in cognitive decline. On a 30-point test of thinking and memory, participants in the least active group experienced an average annual decline of 0.478 points. The moderately active group declined by just 0.090 points per year, whilst the most active group showed almost no decline at 0.007 points annually.
Movement symptoms followed a similar pattern. Using a 132-point assessment where higher scores indicate more severe symptoms, the least active group worsened by 0.143 points annually. In contrast, scores actually improved in the moderately and most active groups.
The associations remained significant after accounting for age, sex and disease duration. Higher total activity time, greater overall activity volume and more time spent exercising vigorously were each linked to slower deterioration in both cognitive and motor function.
The researchers caution that the study identifies a connection rather than proving that exercise directly slows disease progression. Physical activity levels were also self-reported, which may introduce inaccuracies.
Source: Ryu DW et al. Physical Activity and Motor and Cognitive Progression in Parkinson Disease. Neurology (2026). DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000218682
