Could living near nature help to slow Parkinson’s disease progression?

There are numerous reported benefits to spending time outdoors – from boosting your mood to improving your physical health. Now, new research from the US has found that living near natural environments – like forests, parks and rivers – could be linked to a slower progression of Parkinson’s.

The study, published in ‘JAMA Network Open’, focused on people aged 65 and over, living in mainland US, who had health insurance between 2000 and 2016.

Researchers analysed hospital admissions data associated with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. They also observed patients’ postal codes and geological data, to investigate whether increased exposure to nature could be linked to the rate at which the conditions advanced. The results suggested that those with Parkinson’s who lived in greener environments were at a lower risk of hospitalisation.

The study authors added that “policy makers should consider interventions of natural environments to prevent Parkinson’s”.

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