Exercise only proven way to slow down Parkinson's: Docs

Slow movement or trouble keeping up while walking are often mistaken for ageing but could be early signs of the disease, says expert

- Nasreen Abdulla

Regular exercise could play a pivotal role in slowing the advancement of Parkinson’s disease, according to an expert. He said that the disorder, which is expected to impact 17 million people by 2030, is becoming one of the most challenging diseases in the world in terms of both health and healthcare cost.

“If people are recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, the best way to really slow down the disease progression rate is basically exercise,” said Dr Emile Moukheiber, a movement disorders expert from Johns Hopkins Medicine International.

Dr Moukheiber emphasised that for individuals recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, exercise remains the most effective way to slow disease progression. “It may sound simplistic, but exercise is so far the only proven method to slow down the disease. We're also working on a lot of medication and other things that can help slow down the disease. But at this point, exercise is key," he explained.