Objective: This study is an exploratory longitudinal analysis of lifestyle factors and Parkinson’s Disease (PD) symptoms that may inform targeted research into specific lifestyle interventions for PD patients. Lifestyle adjustments (e.g. healthy diet, physical activity and social support groups) are recommended in PD care, but comparative effectiveness remains unclear. This study aims to describe which lifestyle variables – and to what extent – are associated with symptom stability in PD.
Background: Limited data exist for the role of lifestyle in treatment and maintenance of cognitive and physical function in PD patients. Specifically, few datasets include a wide range of lifestyle variables and even fewer track both lifestyle and PD symptoms concurrently over time. Little is known about changes in behavior and how it may affect disease progression.
Method: This longitudinal cohort study examined 46 PD patients who provided a wide range of disease, lifestyle and health variables. To be included, participants needed to have participated in the study twice with a 12-month interval to allow assessment of change in each variable. PD symptoms were assessed using the MDS-UPDRS (I, II, III, and IV) and the PDQ-39 survey. Lifestyle variables were assessed using subjective and objective assessments. Linear models explored the effects of the top four most strongly associated lifestyle factors on PD (MDS-UPDRS (I-IV) and PDQ-39). Models were limited due to sample size.
Results: Changes in psychological variables (depression, mood and social support) were moderate to strongly correlated and changes in fitness, physical function and number of prescription drugs weakly correlated with changes in PD symptoms. Within PD variables, changes were weakly to moderately correlated with each other. Significant variability (R2=0.14-0.69) was accounted for with linear modeling.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that changes in numerous lifestyle variables are associated with changes in PD symptoms. Further research with a larger sample size could allow for more appropriate and conclusive analysis with control for important confounding variables (medication, age, sex, education) in addition to lifestyle predictors. Future findings may inform lifestyle interventions and subsequently clinical recommendations in PD.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
N. Meier, O. Di Martino, I. Chaturvedi. Exploratory Longitudinal Analysis of Lifestyle and Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/exploratory-longitudinal-analysis-of-lifestyle-and-parkinsons-disease-symptoms/. Accessed November 20, 2025.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/exploratory-longitudinal-analysis-of-lifestyle-and-parkinsons-disease-symptoms/