TY - JOUR AR - NNB-2020-3-111 TI - Physical Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Educational Approach AU - Ashok, Chakraborty AU - Ayan , Chakraborty AU - Kylie , Smith AU - Debjit , Chakraborty AU - Smita , Guha JO - Neurology and Neurobiology PY - 2020 DA - Fri 04, Sep 2020 SN - 2613-7828 DO - http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.NNB.2020.03.11 UR - https://www.sciencerepository.org/physical-therapy-for-neurodegenerative-diseases-an-educational-approach_NNB-2020-3-111 KW - Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, neural cells, dopamine, neurodegeneration, dementia AB - The most progressive neurodegenerative disease so far we know are Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). They manifest cognitive and motor disorders, respectively. No cures are found yet for both the diseases, except some palliatives. At this stage, some alternative measures can be adopted that may slowdown the further progression and may bring comfort to the affected people. Epidemiological data supports a direct relationship between the physical activity (PA) and the risk of developing those two diseases. Aerobic physical exercise (PE) induces the release of neurotrophic factors, promotes angiogenesis, neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, and improves memory and cognitive functions. Further, PE activates the superoxide scavengers, like superoxide dismutase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and thereby protects the hippocampus, which is involved particularly in memory function. AD and PD not only deteriorate the quality of life but also may cause death. Therefore, any positive impact of non-pharmacological interventions, such as physical activity and exercise, would improve public health.