Dance and Parkinson's: Biological perspective and rationale

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. However, there is no known drug that can influence the underlying aetiology and pathophysiology of the disease and, as such, current treatments are limited to provision of symptom alleviation. Exercise, including dance, has been shown to positively influence general health and both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. This review explores how exercise and dance could be beneficial to people with PD and considers the potential underlying biological mechanisms. Such insights have the potential to identify novel therapeutic treatments that can help manage Parkinsonism and improve quality of life and slow the progression of the disease for patients.