Gait predicts cognitive decline in early Parkinson’s

Once a patient is seen to be at high risk for cognitive decline, she said, exercise may be an appropriate intervention. “We know huge benefits of exercise, which have been shown in various aspects of cognitive decline ... [to] slow the decline in cognitive function.” Dr. Fleisher said the best exercise is any one that a patient will continue to do, whether it is walking, dancing, or any other exercise that the person will stick with.

The study was supported in the United Kingdom by the National Institute for Health Research, the National Health Service, and Parkinson’s UK. There was no commercial funding. Dr. Morris reported having no financial disclosures. Dr. Fleisher had no financial disclosures.