Physical activity and lifestyle modifications in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Jose A Santiago; Judith A Potashkin

doi:10.3389/fnagi.2023.1185671

Physical activity and lifestyle modifications in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Front Aging Neurosci. 2023 May 26:15:1185671. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1185671. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Jose A Santiago¹, Judith A Potashkin²

Affiliations

¹ NeuroHub Analytics, LLC, Chicago, IL, United States.
² Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Therapeutics, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Department, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States.

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases have reached alarming numbers in the past decade. Unfortunately, clinical trials testing potential therapeutics have proven futile. In the absence of disease-modifying therapies, physical activity has emerged as the single most accessible lifestyle modification with the potential to fight off cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. In this review, we discuss findings from epidemiological, clinical, and molecular studies investigating the potential of lifestyle modifications in promoting brain health. We propose an evidence-based multidomain approach that includes physical activity, diet, cognitive training, and sleep hygiene to treat and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: ALS; Alzheimer's disease; Parkinson's disease; dementia; neurodegeneration; neuroprotection; physical activity.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

This study was funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) grant number R01AG062176 to JP. In addition, funds were provided by Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.