Regular physical activity may help slow the progression of both movement-related symptoms and cognitive decline in people with Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study published October 7 in the journal Neurology.

Researchers found that patients who remained more physically active experienced slower declines in mobility, thinking, and memory than those who exercised less. Participants reporting more than eight hours of physical activity per week showed the strongest associations with slower deterioration. “Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition,” said lead researcher Dr. Dong-Woo Ryu of the University of Cincinnati in Ohio.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control movement. Some patients also develop cognitive difficulties, including problems with memory and thinking, as the disease advances.

For the study, researchers followed nearly 300 people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease for as long as seven years. Participants had an average age of 66 and reported their estimated weekly physical activity at work, at home and during hobbies or recreational activities. They also underwent annual assessments measuring Parkinson’s symptoms and cognitive performance. Researchers divided participants into three groups according to their activity levels: less than four hours per week, four to eight hours per week, and more than eight hours per week.

Those in the highest-activity group experienced slower declines in both movement and cognitive abilities, even after researchers accounted for other factors that could influence the results. The team also found that greater participation in vigorous physical activity was associated with better outcomes. Examples of vigorous exercise included jogging, fast bicycling, team sports, singles tennis, shoveling dirt and carrying heavy loads.

The findings suggest that maintaining an active lifestyle over time may be important. Ryu cautioned that the potential benefits could depend not only on how much physical activity patients get, but also on how consistently they continue exercising. Researchers proposed several possible explanations for the association, including improved blood flow to the brain, reduced inflammation in nerve cells, support for the brain’s ability to adapt, and the release of biochemical substances that help protect brain cells.

However, the researchers emphasized that the study does not prove exercise directly slows Parkinson’s disease. The differences between activity groups were relatively small, and further research is needed. “Since participants generally had good thinking and memory skills at the start of the study, our results should be interpreted with caution and further studies are needed,” Ryu said.

The findings add to research examining how lifestyle factors may influence the course of neurodegenerative diseases. While exercise may offer benefits for people living with Parkinson’s, patients should consult their health care providers about appropriate activity levels.