Physical exercise and Parkinson’s, movement can reduce women’s risk of getting sick by 25% – Corriere.it

Regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s by up to 25%. It proves it a new study published in the journal Neurologywhich involved 95.354 donne (average age 49 years) who did not have the Parkinson when the work started. The researchers, from the Saclay University of Paris, the Salpêtrière University Hospital and the University of Bordeaux, examined the participants’ physical exercise over three decades, including sports, walking, cycling, gardening, climbing stairs and cleaning the house.

The results of the study

Over the 30 years, 1,074 women developed Parkinson’s. The results of the study are clear: as the level of exercise increases, the risk of Parkinson’s decreases. The women who exercised the most — based on timing and intensity — showed a 25% lower risk of developing the disease compared to more sedentary ones. According to the researchers, therefore, “physical activity can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease.” Previous studies had shown similar results in males as well.

Dopamine deficiency

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the nervous system. It can cause uncontrollable tremors, muscle stiffness, and gait and balance problems, as well as sleep disturbances, depression, memory impairment, and fatigue. Symptoms usually result frominsufficient production of dopamine by neurons. There is no cure, but only treatments to relieve symptoms. Exercise is also very important for people with Parkinson’s: can improve cognitive functions, sleep quality and quality of life, as well as slow the progression of motor symptoms.