Exercise Slows Down Parkinson's

Regular exercise may significantly help in slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s disease, according to an expert in the field.

The disorder, which could affect 17 million people by 2030, is rapidly becoming one of the most demanding global health challenges due to its impact on both health and healthcare costs.

Dr. Emile Moukheiber, a movement disorders expert from Johns Hopkins Medicine International, emphasized the importance of physical activity.

“For those recently diagnosed with Parkinson's, exercise is the most effective way to slow the disease's progression,” he stated.

“It may sound simple, but as of now, exercise is the only proven method to delay the disease. While research into medications and other treatments is ongoing, exercise remains essential.”

Dr. Moukheiber recommended at least 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity, four to five times a week, as a key strategy for managing the disease.

Recognizing the Early Signs

A 2022 study by UAE researchers, known as the EmPark study, found a slightly higher prevalence of early-onset Parkinson’s among Emiratis compared to the expatriate population.

The study also noted that Emiratis often delay treatment longer than expats. “This is concerning because later diagnosis and treatment mean patients endure symptoms for a longer period before getting relief,” Dr. Moukheiber explained.

He outlined several early, or "prodromal," symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that can appear 10 to 20 years before more noticeable signs. These include loss of smell and taste, REM sleep behavior disorder (in which individuals act out their dreams while sleeping), and constipation.

Dr. Moukheiber also highlighted other symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and movement issues like tightness, frozen shoulder, tremors, and problems with dexterity.

He stressed that symptoms like slow movement or difficulty keeping up when walking are often misattributed to aging when they could be early indicators of Parkinson’s.

Limited Awareness and Resources

Having spent over two years treating patients in the UAE at Clemenceau Medical Centre, Dr. Moukheiber pointed out the region’s limited awareness of Parkinson’s disease.

“Health literacy about Parkinson’s in the MENA region is still low, and access to advanced treatments like deep brain stimulation or MRI-guided focused ultrasound is limited,” he noted.

While some research exists, Dr. Moukheiber highlighted a “knowledge gap” regarding Parkinson’s in the region.

“Only one study has been conducted in the UAE, and there’s very little research for the entire region. This means we lack comprehensive information about the disease's epidemiology,” he explained.

Additionally, he mentioned that specific environmental risk factors in the UAE that might contribute to the disease remain unclear.

He provided an example, saying, “In the Nile region, there’s more pesticide use, which is a known environmental risk factor. But in the UAE, we don’t have enough data to identify such risks.”

Source: khaleejtimes

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