Intensive exercise has been found to potentially slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease by influencing brain plasticity, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the Catholic University of Sacred Heart, the A. Gemelli IRCCS Polyclinic Foundation, and several other research institutes. The study sheds light on a novel mechanism that connects exercise to improvements in motor control in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
The research, which was published in the journal Science Advances, suggests that exercise initiated in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease can have lasting positive effects on motor control, even after training has been discontinued. The study also revealed that intensive physical activity can reduce the spread of pathological alpha-synuclein aggregates, which contribute to neuron dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease.
Furthermore, the researchers discovered that intensive exercise leads to an increase in the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a growth factor that plays a crucial role in the brain. BDNF interacts with the NMDA receptor, enabling more efficient neuronal responses to stimuli.
By uncovering this mechanism and highlighting the role of BDNF, the study opens up avenues for non-pharmacological treatment approaches for Parkinson’s disease. This research could help identify new therapeutic targets and markers for monitoring disease progression.
The study, led by researchers from the Catholic University and A. Gemelli IRCCS Polyclinic Foundation, received funding from the Fresco Parkinson Institute, the Ministry of Health, and MIUR. The researchers used a multidisciplinary approach to measure improvements in neuronal survival, brain plasticity, motor control, and visuospatial cognition.
The findings of this study provide experimental support for the neuroprotective effects of exercise in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. By understanding the biological mechanisms through which exercise affects Parkinson’s disease, researchers hope to develop new non-drug treatments to be used in combination with existing therapies.
Dr. Nicolas Cerbino, the author of the article, mentioned that ongoing research will investigate the involvement of glial cells, specialized cells that support neurons, in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. This will help further understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the observed beneficial effects of exercise.
In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of intensive exercise as a non-pharmacological treatment approach for Parkinson’s disease. By influencing brain plasticity and reducing the spread of pathological aggregates, exercise offers lasting benefits for individuals with this neurodegenerative disorder. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved and develop targeted therapies for Parkinson’s disease.