Investigating Exercise-Induced Neuroplasticity and its Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease: Targeting Executive Function and Brain Circuitry
Abstract
An increasingly common problem in Parkinsons disease (PD) and its progression is cognitive impairment, yet it is rarely addressed with currently accepted therapeutics and is difficult to treat. Recent findings support the hypothesis that exercise, and particularly exercise that incorporates both skill and aerobic components (SAE), is a viable and effective treatment option for cognitive impairment in PD. Using a rat model of PD (striatal 6-hydroxydopamine model), the current project has applied methods of animal behavior, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, functional brain mapping, and micro-neuroanatomy, to the question of exercise-related restoration of cognitive function and the role of frontostriatal circuits. Understanding the impact of exercise in the basal ganglia and its related circuitry may represent a new frontier in understanding mechanisms of neuroplasticity and repair and, thus lead to novel therapeutic targets for PD. It provides a framework for guiding future human trials aimed at optimizing specific, cost-effective rehabilitation strategies and reducing the burden of disease, not only for PD patients, but also for persons with a broad range of neurologic disabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1124316
Entities
People
- Daniel P Holschneider
- Michael W. Jakowec
Organizations
- University of Southern California