Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 31 December 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Researchers from Texas Woman’s University, US, are investigating how equine-assisted therapy – which involves working with horses to promote wellbeing – can benefit people with Parkinson’s disease.

As part of the five-month study, funded by the non-profit Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 30 men with Parkinson’s disease will be randomly assigned to participate in equine-assisted therapy or simulated horseback riding. The participants’ motor performance, balance, gait and symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease will be assessed before, during and after the therapy.

Rhett Rigby, principal investigator of the study, said: “There is currently no known study that utilises equine-assisted therapy as an intervention treatment for those with Parkinson’s disease. Our research could have a significant impact on an understudied population and help contribute to the existing literature on human-animal interaction.”

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research, please visit the EPDA website.

Find out more about the study on equine therapy as a treatment option for Parkinson’s disease.

Covid-19 lockdown may worsen sleep disturbances in Parkinson’s disease

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Health & Fitness

Caring and sharing – the importance of learning to let it out

Why good communication is essential in families affected by Parkinson's

Fighting the stigma around Parkinson’s in Spain

We talk to the director of the Spanish Parkinson’s Federation

Parkinson’s community rallies around TV journalist after diagnosis

Veteran UK journalist attracts widespread support

Antioxidants could reduce risk of Parkinson’s disease by 32%, study finds

Antioxidant vitamins, found in foods like almonds, avocados and broccoli, could reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, researchers in Sweden have reported. The scientists analysed data from a study of 43,865 men and women, aged between 18 and 94. Participants were asked to share information about their diets when the study began and were then monitored through health records over an average of almost 18 years. The researchers found that those who had reported high levels of vitamins C and E – which help prevent cell damage and inflammation – had a 32% lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. “Our findings suggest that dietary vitamin E and C intake might be inversely associated with the risk of Parkinson disease,” the scientists concluded.

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, US, have found that people with early Parkinson’s disease are at higher risk of developing cognitive impairments if they are overweight, have disruptive sleep behaviours or experience symptoms of depression. Evaluating data from 405 people, the researchers used statistical analysis to identify relationships between certain characteristics and changes in patient cognition over time. Their findings suggest that factors such as high body mass index (BMI) or excessive sleepiness are associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease. The researchers wrote: “Despite its common and devastating occurrence, treatment of [cognitive impairments] in [Parkinson’s disease] is limited and no medications slow its onset or progression. However, identification of treatable or modifiable comorbidities that affect the rate of progression of [cognitive impairments] in [Parkinson’s disease] could provide opportunities for early intervention and improved prognosis.”

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US, will investigate genes that could protect cells in the brain against Parkinson’s disease. An award from US non-profit G Harold and Leila Y Mathers Foundation will allow scientists to use a mouse model screening technique to find out more about the condition. Individually deleting each of the 22,000 genes present in mice neurons will help identify which genes are linked to neuron survival – and offer insights that could lead to new treatments for the condition. Dr Myriam Heiman, an Associate Professor at MIT, said: “There is currently no molecular explanation for the brain cell loss seen in Parkinson’s disease or a cure for this devastating disease. I’m extremely grateful for this generous support and recognition of our work from the Mathers Foundation, and hope that our study will elucidate new therapeutic targets for the treatment and even prevention of Parkinson’s…

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 31 December 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Health & Fitness

Caring and sharing – the importance of learning to let it out

In my country

Fighting the stigma around Parkinson’s in Spain

Europe

Parkinson’s community rallies around TV journalist after diagnosis

Antioxidants could reduce risk of Parkinson’s disease by 32%, study finds

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

{title}

Subscribe

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 31 December 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Health & Fitness

Caring and sharing – the importance of learning to let it out

In my country

Fighting the stigma around Parkinson’s in Spain

Europe

Parkinson’s community rallies around TV journalist after diagnosis

Antioxidants could reduce risk of Parkinson’s disease by 32%, study finds

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in