Living with Parkinson’s disease brings physical and emotional challenges that can feel heavy on both the person diagnosed and the caregiver who walks alongside them. But there’s good news grounded in research and lived experience: movement has meaning — beyond muscle and joints — especially when it comes to mood, thinking, and quality of life.
More Than Just Physical Benefits
Experts in Parkinson’s care are increasingly talking about exercise as a vital part of living well with PD — not just a nice add-on. In a recent episode of The Parkinson’s Podcast, Dr. Bastiaan Bloem explores how physical activity connects to improved mood, cognition, and emotional resilience for people with Parkinson’s (and the people who support them). (Davis Phinney Foundation)
Research shows that:
Exercise can improve executive function — the brain’s ability to plan, shift attention, and stay flexible — even when traditional treatments don’t fully address these challenges. (PubMed)
Consistent physical activity is linked to better sleep, enhanced balance, flexibility, and reduced anxiety and depression — all key domains that influence everyday life with Parkinson’s. (Parkinson's Foundation)
Even gentle movements like yoga and chair-based exercises can reduce anxiety and support mental wellbeing. (PubMed)
These benefits aren’t just theoretical — they show up in the real experiences of people with Parkinson’s who stay engaged in movement, adapt to their abilities, and find community along the way.
Motivation When It’s Hard
It’s completely normal to experience hesitation around exercise — fatigue, fear of falling, pain, or simply feeling overwhelmed are real obstacles reported by many in the PD community. (PMD Alliance) But small steps lead to meaningful change. The key isn’t intensity — it’s consistency, safety, and joy in movement.
What helps people keep going?
Starting where you are — even seated movement is beneficial.
Having a partner, caregiver, or class community — connection boosts motivation and turns “I should” into “I want to.”
Setting intentions that honor your experience — focus on what movement feels like rather than what it looks like.
Caregivers benefit too. Participating in movement together strengthens bonds, lowers shared stress, and creates moments of joy in an otherwise demanding caregiving role.
A Invitation to Listen
If you want to feel more informed, inspired, and connected to the science and the heart behind movement in Parkinson’s, this episode is worth your time. It’s not about perfection — it’s about possibility.
🎧 Listen to the podcast that inspired this blog here:
https://youtu.be/ojNdSw9pplc?si=CIZa8LMaWLoRGsvo