The Benefits of Exercise for Parkinson's and Cognitive Decline

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive condition that affects movement, balance, energy levels, mood, and, over time, cognitive function. As the disease advances, many individuals also experience memory loss, slowed thinking, and reduced confidence with daily tasks. A recent review published in the Strength and Conditioning Journal synthesizes current research showing that exercise is not simply supportive for people with Parkinson’s—it is one of the most effective non-pharmacological strategies for managing symptoms, preserving function, and protecting quality of life across both motor and cognitive domains.

Why exercise matters for Parkinson’s and cognitive decline

According to the Strength and Conditioning Journal review, structured exercise consistently improves motor symptoms such as walking speed, balance, rigidity, and strength, while also positively influencing non-motor symptoms including mood, sleep quality, fatigue, and cognitive performance. Importantly, these benefits are seen across multiple stages of Parkinson’s when exercise is appropriately scaled to the individual’s abilities and daily symptom presentation.

One of the most important points emphasized in the article is that there is no single “perfect” exercise modality. Parkinson’s symptoms fluctuate day to day based on sleep, stress, medication timing, and fatigue. Because of this, the authors highlight the importance of flexible, individualized programming rather than rigid prescriptions. Exercise should meet the person where they are on a given day while still progressing overall capacity over time.

The article also explains why perceived effort is often a better guide than heart rate when training individuals with Parkinson’s. Changes in the nervous system and medication effects can make heart-rate responses less predictable. Using perceived exertion allows people to train at the correct intensity without overreaching, even when symptoms vary.

Strength training is highlighted as a key pillar of care. Parkinson’s combined with aging accelerates muscle loss, weakness, and slower movement, all of which increase fall risk and reduce independence. Progressive resistance training helps preserve strength, improve posture and gait, and maintain the ability to perform daily activities safely.

Finally, the review emphasizes the importance of balance, coordination, and cognitive-motor training. Parkinson’s reduces movement automaticity, meaning tasks like walking and turning require more conscious effort. Training that challenges balance, coordination, and attention helps prepare individuals for real-world situations where distractions and uneven surfaces are unavoidable.

How exercise supports brain health

While researchers are still uncovering all the details, two major biological effects help explain why exercise supports brain health in Parkinson’s and other cognitive conditions: increased brain growth signals and reduced chronic inflammation.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

BDNF is often described as a “fertilizer” for the brain. It supports the survival of brain cells and strengthens communication between them—processes essential for memory, learning, and efficient movement.

Exercise, particularly aerobic training performed at a challenging but safe intensity, increases BDNF levels. Increased blood flow, higher neural activity, and exercise-related metabolic signals all contribute to this response. Over time, higher BDNF availability supports the brain’s ability to adapt, which helps explain why consistent exercise is associated with improvements in walking, mood, and cognitive performance in people with Parkinson’s.

Exercise does not cure neurodegenerative disease, but it helps the brain function more effectively within existing limitations—supporting resilience rather than accelerating decline.

Reducing chronic inflammation

Chronic low-grade inflammation increases with aging and is associated with worse outcomes in many neurological conditions. Higher inflammation is linked to fatigue, poor sleep, slower recovery, and reduced cognitive clarity.

Regular exercise helps shift the body toward a healthier inflammatory balance. Contracting muscles release signals that help regulate immune activity, and over time, consistent training is associated with lower levels of harmful inflammatory markers. This creates a more supportive environment for brain function and overall recovery, especially when paired with adequate sleep and nutrition.

The most effective way to train

The strongest outcomes come from a balanced training plan that includes aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance-focused movement.

Aerobic training forms the foundation. Activities such as stationary cycling, rowing, walking, or supported treadmill work improve endurance, circulation, and brain health. Sessions can be accumulated throughout the week, with intensity guided by perceived effort rather than pushing to exhaustion.

Strength training protects independence. Maintaining strength in the legs, hips, and upper body supports walking, standing, and daily tasks. Stable training setups are often safest and most effective when balance is a concern.

Balance and coordination training ties everything together. Challenging stability, posture, and attention helps reduce fall risk and improves confidence in movement. Adding simple cognitive challenges while moving prepares the body and brain for real-world demands.

At Unbroken Health and Fitness, this evidence-based approach is used to help clients manage Parkinson’s symptoms, protect cognitive function, and remain active with confidence. Training is individualized, adaptable, and built around long-term consistency rather than pushing past safe limits.

Click the link above to schedule a free consultation and learn how this training approach can support you or a loved one.

Works Cited

American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 11th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2021.

Corcos, D. M., et al. “A Two-Year Randomized Controlled Trial of Progressive Resistance Exercise for Parkinson’s Disease.” Movement Disorders, vol. 28, no. 9, 2013, pp. 1230–1240.

Fisher, B. E., et al. “Treadmill Exercise Elevates Dopamine D2 Receptor Binding Potential in Patients with Early Parkinson’s Disease.” NeuroReport, vol. 24, no. 10, 2013, pp. 509–514.

Kim, Y., et al. “Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Function in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, vol. 37, no. 2, 2023, pp. 91–104.

Marusiak, J., et al. “Interval Training-Induced Alleviation of Muscular Rigidity and Increase in BDNF in Parkinson’s Disease.” Journal of Neurological Sciences, vol. 357, no. 1–2, 2015, pp. 239–245.

Shen, X., et al. “Effects of Balance Training on Postural Stability and Falls in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis.” Clinical Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 8, 2016, pp. 721–734.

Strength and Conditioning Journal. “Exercise and Parkinson Disease: Practical Recommendations for Exercise Professionals.” Strength and Conditioning Journal, vol. 47, no. 4, 2025, pp. 433–443.

Zoladz, J. A., et al. “Moderate-Intensity Training Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Reduces Inflammation in Parkinson’s Disease.” Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, vol. 65, no. 4, 2014, pp. 533–541.