Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in PD individuals.

Background: Physical activity is positively associated with overall cognition. Cognitive impairment can be identified even in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Method: Individuals with idiopathic PD were assessed through the Human Activity Profile (HAP), which grades the level of physical activity.  Cognitive function was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Results: Forty-nine participants took part of the study (mean age 63 ± 12 years; 59% men; disease duration mean 6,73 ± 5 years, and median Hoehn and Yahr was 2.2 – range 1-4, HY1= 16; HY2= 14; HY3= 13; HY4= 6). Mean MoCA scores were 21,5±4,4 (scores < 26 were considered indicative of cognitive impairment). Self-reports of physical activity according to the HAP classification showed that 20,41% of the individuals were inactive, 36,73% moderately active and 42,86% active. A significant correlation (p<0,05) between HAP and MoCA was found (r=0,48; p<0,001 – Person correlation coefficient).

Conclusion: These results suggested that individuals with better performance on MoCA are associate with greater level of physical activity. Physical activity could have positive effects on cognition for PD individuals.

« Back to MDS Virtual Congress 2021

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/physical-activity-and-cognitive-functions-in-individuals-with-parkinsons-disease/