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Will Physical Exercise Help While Treating Parkinson's Disease?

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Posted on Mon, 17 Oct 2016
Question: To slow down the progression of parkinson's, what type of exercise is best? Does a certain diet play a role as well? Are there any things I can do to control the tremor in my right hand. My gate is good. To someone else, the only sign is the tremor and the right arm with the tremor doesn't swing as much as the left.
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No proven benefit from diets, supplements or exercise.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

There have been many hypothesis regarding factors like nutritional deficiencies and possible supplements to treat Parkinson's disease. Some components which are hypothesized to possibly play a role include vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, tea, caffeine etc.
However in terms of there being a proof, a scientific study which has shown any significant benefit of a certain diet, dietary component or supplement, I am afraid that is not the case. Up to now no supplement has been approved for that purpose. So unfortunately at least for now there is not much you can do in that regard.
The same goes for exercise, since the disease is due to the loss of certain brain cells, there is not much that exercise can do to stop the process. Only in advanced stages where gait and balance may be affected may certain exercises help to cope with the symptoms, but not alter the course of the disease.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Will Physical Exercise Help While Treating Parkinson's Disease?

Brief Answer: No proven benefit from diets, supplements or exercise. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. There have been many hypothesis regarding factors like nutritional deficiencies and possible supplements to treat Parkinson's disease. Some components which are hypothesized to possibly play a role include vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, tea, caffeine etc. However in terms of there being a proof, a scientific study which has shown any significant benefit of a certain diet, dietary component or supplement, I am afraid that is not the case. Up to now no supplement has been approved for that purpose. So unfortunately at least for now there is not much you can do in that regard. The same goes for exercise, since the disease is due to the loss of certain brain cells, there is not much that exercise can do to stop the process. Only in advanced stages where gait and balance may be affected may certain exercises help to cope with the symptoms, but not alter the course of the disease. I remain at your disposal for other questions.