Lifestyle changes may slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease

Medication reduces the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but does not stop the progression of the condition itself. This may be because medication targets a single disease process in the brain. However, Parkinson's disease is a complex condition involving multiple biological mechanisms simultaneously.

How lifestyle influences the disease

Lifestyle factors simultaneously affect multiple disease processes that go awry in Parkinson's: among other things, they can reduce inflammatory responses in the brain, improve blood flow and oxygen supply, stimulate the production of protective proteins, and positively influence the composition of the gut flora. These combined effects support brain health.

A promising additional treatment option

Movement scientist and lifestyle expert Nienke de Vries of the UMCG collaborated on this review study. “We looked at what is already known about exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction in Parkinson's disease. What is remarkable is that the combined approach may be more powerful than the sum of its individual parts, because the effects reinforce each other on multiple levels. This makes lifestyle a promising complementary treatment option.”

The study shows that three lifestyle pillars have been most thoroughly researched in relation to Parkinson's disease: exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction. Concrete recommendations have been derived for each pillar based on the available scientific insights.

• Exercise: exercise at high intensity for at least half an hour three times a week, preferably supplemented with strength training and balance exercises. In addition, be more active in your daily life.
• Nutrition: follow the general recommendations for healthy eating, i.e., a largely plant-based diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and nuts. Avoid processed foods.
• Stress: reduce the effects of stress with relaxation exercises, mindfulness, or yoga. Strengthen your social network for greater resilience.

Help with practical application

Changing lifestyle is complex for many people. Guidance from specialized healthcare providers can be very important in this regard, for example through the national ParkinsonNet. Digital support can also help patients make choices, for example through the Parkinson's lifestyle decision aid. Research is also increasingly using apps and ‘games’ to help people stick to the advice in the long term.

According to Nienke de Vries, giving lifestyle advice to patients requires a tailored approach

“To really help patients benefit from exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction, more is needed than just information. Awareness, knowledge, and guidance are crucial. Coaching, personal support, and a good network ensure that patients can apply this advice and maintain it in their daily lives.”

Link to the publication in Lancet Neurology: The role of lifestyle interventions in symptom management and disease modification in Parkinson's disease - The Lancet Neurology