Skiers Study Suggests Fitness May Stave Off Parkinson's

THURSDAY, Feb. 20, 2020 -- Love to cross-country ski? Well, all those days spent striding across the snow-covered wilderness may do more than keep you in great physical shape.

Swedish researchers report that very fit long-distance skiers were about 30% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease during their 20-year study.

Paddles Against Parkinson's: Ping Pong Might Ease Symptoms

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 26, 2020 -- A spirited game of ping pong may be more than just fun: New research suggests it could quell symptoms in Parkinson's patients.

The small study found that patients with the movement disorder had significant improvements in a wide range of symptoms after taking part in a six-month ping pong exercise program.

Gene Variant Ups Dementia Risk in Parkinson's Patients: Study

THURSDAY, Feb. 6, 2020 -- A genetic variant associated with Alzheimer's disease increases the risk of dementia in people with Parkinson's disease, researchers say.

The finding could lead to new treatments for dementia in Parkinson's patients, according to the team at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Young-Onset Parkinson's May Start in the Womb, New Research Suggests

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 5, 2020 -- People who develop Parkinson's disease at a younger age (before age 50) may have malfunctioning brain cells at birth, according to a study that also identified a drug that may help these patients.

At least 500,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson's each year. Most are 60 or older at diagnosis, but about 10% are between 21 and 50.