Abstract
The variability of symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) suggests the need for individualized treatment. A key aspect of precision medicine is lifestyle risk factor modification, known to be important in the prevention and management of chronic illness including other neurological diseases. Diet, cognitive training, exercise, and social engagement affect brain health and quality of life, but little is known of the influence of lifestyle on PD progression. Given disease heterogeneity, absence of objective outcome measures, and the confounding effects of medication, investigating lifestyle as a potential therapy in PD is challenging. This article highlights some of these challenges in the design of lifestyle studies in PD, and suggests a more coordinated international effort is required, including ongoing longitudinal observational studies. In combination with pharmaceutical treatments, healthy lifestyle behaviors may slow the progression of PD, empower patients, and reduce disease burden. For optimal care of people with PD, it is important to close this gap in current knowledge and discover whether such associations exist.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-related complex progressive neurodegenerative disorder, with key pathological features being the presence of alpha-synuclein-containing Lewy bodies and a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra [1]
Modification of lifestyle risk factors is a foundational approach to prevention and management of chronic disease
GJ: conception, critical manuscript revision and final approval, accountability for the work
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-related complex progressive neurodegenerative disorder, with key pathological features being the presence of alpha-synuclein-containing Lewy bodies and a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra [1]. Current treatments primarily act to replace or boost existing dopamine, managing mostly motor symptoms Their long-term use leads to side effects, and reduced efficacy [4]. Most existing databases capture predominantly Caucasian participants, recruit from hospitals, have low incident cases of PD, and collect little data on lifestyle behaviors [20]. These issues could be lessened by combining comparable multi-center international cohorts and adding lifestyle variables to datasets. Where common sense points to beneficial effects of low-risk modifiable behaviors on stress reduction, weight management, and cognitive engagement, health professionals may choose to prioritize patient education to incorporate healthy lifestyle into daily living
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
