The incurable progressive disorder affects motor abilities and other nervous system functions, typically causing stiffness, tremors, balance problems and slowed movement, along with mood changes, cognitive decline and sleep disturbances.<\/p>\n
Although Parkinson\u2019s usually emerges after age 60<\/a>, some early-onset cases do occur.<\/p>\n AIR POLLUTION MAY PLAY A BIGGER ROLE IN COGNITIVE DECLINE THAN ANYONE REALIZED<\/a><\/p>\n While aging has been shown to be the biggest driver \u2014 and family history also increases the risk \u2014 research has shown that some lifestyle behaviors can help ward off or slow the onset of the disease.<\/p>\n “Today, even though it\u2019s not possible to prevent Parkinson\u2019s disease, maintaining a healthy lifestyle \u2014 staying physically active, eating well and getting enough sleep \u2014 can help protect overall brain health and may reduce the risk of various neurological disorders<\/a>,” Prof. Dr. Pulat Ak\u0131n Sabanc\u0131, professor of Neurosurgery at Istanbul University, told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n Parkinson’s disease can cause stiffness, tremors, balance problems and slowed movement, along with mood changes, cognitive decline and sleep disturbances. (iStock)<\/p>\n Below, experts shared some of the most impactful prevention methods.<\/p>\n No. 1: Stay physically active<\/p>\n Regular exercise<\/a> is strongly linked to a decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to Dr. Mary Ann Picone, the medical director at Holy Name Medical Center’s MS Center in New Jersey.<\/p>\n “Aerobic exercise can be neuroprotective and improve motor function,” she told Fox News Digital, as studies have shown that it lowers risk by 50%.<\/p>\n ‘HARMLESS’ VIRUS FOUND LURKING IN PARKINSON’S PATIENTS’ BRAINS, NEW STUDY SHOWS<\/a><\/p>\n Picone recommends engaging in moderate- to high-intensity activities, such as walking or cycling, for a significant amount of time each week \u2014 at least 30 minutes daily.<\/p>\n “Aerobic exercise increases heart rate and helps brain neurons<\/a> to maintain old connections and form new connections,” she noted.<\/p>\n A doctor recommends engaging in moderate- to high-intensity activities, such as walking or cycling, for a significant amount of time each week \u2014 at least 30 minutes daily. (iStock)<\/p>\n Weight training and resistance exercises are also beneficial, as well as activities that combine balance, agility and coordination, like Tai Chi or dancing, according to the expert.<\/p>\n “Research shows that getting the blood pumping helps the brain tissue build up protective mechanisms and do better on both cognitive and muscle control tests and often live longer<\/a>,” she said.<\/p>\n No. 2: Eat a brain-friendly diet<\/p>\n Picone recommends eating a diet rich in antioxidants and plant-based protein sources \u2014 especially beans, nuts and tofu \u2014 as well as foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids. It is best to avoid processed foods, she advised.<\/p>\n A Mediterranean or MIND-style diet<\/a>, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil and whole grains, has been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n A Mediterranean or MIND-style diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil and whole grains, has been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson\u2019s disease. (iStock)<\/p>\n “Foods that contain antioxidants, such as purple, red and blue grapes; blueberries; red berries, like strawberries; green, leafy vegetables, like broccoli, kale and spinach; and sweet potatoes, acorn or butternut squash are recommended,” Picone said.<\/p>\n Coffee and tea drinkers have a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease, the doctor noted.<\/p>\n No. 3: Limit exposure to toxins<\/p>\n Exposure to certain environmental toxins<\/a>, like pesticides and heavy metals, can damage neurons and increase the risk of Parkinson\u2019s, according to Dr. George Michalopoulos, founder and chairman of The Neurologic Wellness Institute in Chicago.<\/p>\n “Aerobic exercise can be neuroprotective and improve motor function.”<\/p>\n “While it\u2019s impossible to avoid all toxins, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure,” he told Fox News Digital. “Choose organic produce when possible, use protective gear if you\u2019re working with chemicals and drink filtered water to avoid contaminants.”<\/p>\n No. 4: Prioritize sleep<\/p>\n During deep sleep, the brain clears out waste products and repairs itself, Michalopoulos noted.<\/p>\n “Chronic sleep deprivation or conditions like sleep apnea<\/a> can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson\u2019s,” he said. “Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens before bed and create a calming bedtime routine.”<\/p>\n EVEN SMALL AMOUNTS OF ALCOHOL LINKED TO HIGHER DEMENTIA RISK IN OLDER ADULTS, STUDY SHOWS<\/a><\/p>\n Dr. Vibhash Sharma, a neurologist and medical director of UT Southwestern\u2019s neuromodulation movement disorders clinic in Dallas, Texas, reiterated the importance of quality sleep for Parkinson\u2019s prevention.<\/p>\n “As poor sleep quality and chronic sleep deprivation are associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease, quality and adequate sleep is important for supporting brain repair and clearing abnormal proteins linked to Parkinson\u2019s disease,” he told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n No. 5: Manage stress<\/p>\n Stress is a part of life, but chronic levels<\/a> can take a toll on your brain, Picone cautioned.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n “It\u2019s been linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are thought to play a role in Parkinson\u2019s,” she said. “Finding ways to manage stress can help protect your brain and improve your overall health. Try mindfulness practices<\/a> like meditation, deep breathing or even a daily walk in nature.”<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/a><\/p>\n No. 6: Stay mentally and socially engaged<\/p>\n Keeping your brain active and staying connected with others can help build “cognitive reserve,” which may protect against neurodegeneration, according to Michalopoulos.<\/p>\n Try mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing or even a daily walk in nature, one expert suggested. (iStock)<\/p>\n “Activities that challenge your brain \u2014 like doing puzzles, reading or learning a new skill \u2014 are great for keeping sharp,” he told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n Sabanci reiterated that lifelong learning, social connection<\/a> and purposeful activity support brain resilience.<\/p>\n No. 7: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol<\/p>\n Smoking and heavy drinking have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson\u2019s, Michalopoulos warned.<\/p>\n TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/a><\/p>\n “Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake<\/a> can go a long way toward protecting your brain,” he said.<\/p>\n The experts agreed, however, that none of these behavioral changes completely guarantee protection from Parkinson\u2019s.<\/p>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/woman-holding-coffee-mug.jpg\")
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