Ashok Chakraborty,Ayan  Chakraborty,Kylie  Smith,Debjit  Chakraborty,Smita  Guha,
Physical Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Educational Approach
Neurology and Neurobiology
2020
2613-7828
http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.NNB.2020.03.11
https://www.sciencerepository.org/physical-therapy-for-neurodegenerative-diseases-an-educational-approach_NNB-2020-3-111 
Abstract: 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.Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, neural cells, dopamine, neurodegeneration, dementia