Behavioral Approaches

Image from NIA, NIHBehavioral therapies can help with the management of PD symptoms. There is evidence that exercise, physical and occupational therapy can ameliorate PD symptoms.  Exercise has also been reported to have potential disease-modifying effects: research in pre-clinical research models suggest that exercise is neuroprotective through induction of trophic factors (Smith and Zigmond, 2003). Anecdotal evidence also suggests that yoga, tai chi, meditation and acupuncture may have therapeutic potential for PD, though definitive studies have not been conducted.

Certain PD symptoms, such as difficulty with speech and swallowing, can also be ameliorated through specific exercise regimens (Ramig et al., 2004). However, the exact exercise regimen most effective in PD patients for various symptoms remains to be determined, and clinical studies are in progress to identify these parameters.