Neurology. 2011 Jul 19;77(3):288-94.
Does vigorous exercise have a neuroprotective effect in Parkinson disease?
Ahlskog JE.
Source
Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 eahlskog@mayo.edu.
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is progressive, with dementia and medication-refractory motor problems common reasons for late-stage nursing-home placement. Increasing evidence suggests that ongoing vigorous exercise/physical fitness may favorably influence this progression. Parkinsonian animal models reveal exercise-related protection from dopaminergic neurotoxins, apparently mediated by brain neurotrophic factors and neuroplasticity (predicted from in vitro studies). Similarly, exercise consistently improves cognition in animals, also linked to enhanced neuroplasticity and increased neurotrophic factor expression. In these animal models, immobilization has the opposite effect. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may mediate at least some of this exercise benefit. In humans, exercise increases serum BDNF, and this is known to cross the blood-brain barrier. PD risk in humans is significantly reduced by midlife exercise, documented in large prospective studies. No studies have addressed whether exercise influences dementia risk in PD, but exercised patients with PD improve cognitive scores. Among seniors in general, exercise or physical fitness has not only been associated with better cognitive scores, but midlife exercise significantly reduces the later risk of both dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Finally, numerous studies in seniors with and without dementia have reported increased cerebral gray matter volumes associated with physical fitness or exercise. These findings have several implications for PD clinicians. 1) Ongoing vigorous exercise and physical fitness should be highly encouraged. 2) PD physical therapy programs should include structured, graduated fitness instruction and guidance for deconditioned patients with PD. 3) Levodopa and other forms of dopamine replenishment therapy should be utilized to achieve the maximum capability and motivation for patients to maintain fitness.

PMID: 21768599 [PubMed - in process] PMCID: PMC3136051 [Available on 2012/7/19]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21768599

(I do know "vigorous exercise" is detrimental for my husband, despite the research. And the statement:"PD risk in humans is significantly reduced by midlife exercise" would also not apply for my husband since he was a dedicated jogger (also ran several marathons), worked out on weight machines at least 5 X/week, had a hobby of nature photography necessitating lots of walking/climbing/water rafting, etc. Thus the "not every case of Parkinson's is the same" refrain. madelyn)

I had PD at the age of 63 inspite of the fact that I had a "healthy" life style and exercised regularly. I assume that I would have got it at an earlier age otherwise?
Imad

http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/

He's made a believer out of many.

Peg

I think the key recommendation in this study is not for those who can do vigorous exercise anyway, but for the 'deconditioned' patients, where 'structured, graduated fitness instruction and guidance' should be offered. This makes sense to me, and I hope that it will come my way. I am about to embark on some physio and when it comes through will also join an exercise class that is nearly all PWP. My Parkinsons nurse is organizing this for me, and I am hopefully organizing to go to a Tai Chi class again myself.

Build gradually, and hope for some health benefits, and take advice if you have other health issues.......... it is not all about the marathon runners and mountain bikers, everyone can do a little to help themselves. Akinesia can be a problem to overcome, but I am sure I am going to feel better doing this.....

i' ve been going to the health club for almost a year. My friend picks me up altho i do drive if she can't go. I take 5 classes a week going 3 days a week and sometimes staying for 2 classes in a row. All classes are regular classes and in the water. Aqua exercising lessons the impact when you are jumping so much on your feet, knees and hips. The point i want to make is that besides getting out regularly and being with people there. I've made friends with many local women and we have luncheons, etc.
They can't hear me, but they are patient.

Good for you
Exercise is fun and addictive.
It has its own reward and if it helps PD, that would be a bonus.
cheers
Imad

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We have been working to add more of these to our site. Please let me know if you find them informative. Also, what other topics are of interest? Any/all feedback welcome!

Debi

or is it zumbaa? i know it's muscles that i usually don't use and i'm hoping my back doesn't spasm but i love to dance and this one is the ultimate activity for me....low impact in the water. great music and the instructor is also known as the "killer." She's the best.

sorry if i said this already after coming back from pittsburgh and getting back to exercise took away all the severe pain i had in my legs the entire time i was there.

not exercising is like missing a dose of medicine. I always have pain, not sure if its pd, side effects or exercise but i'm enjoying it very much. and without it my legs ache all the time. could that be fibromyaligia?

i figure if one person starts because i give these pep posts its worth it. studies on it don't interest me when about exercise. its pretty much common sense isn't it. I guess i don't take them seriously enough.

is the goal to determine how hard or vigorously you should exercize? i don't want to get compulsive about it. i have enough guilt about things i should be doing.