Approximately one-quarter of Parkinson's disease patients show minor cognitive impairment in the early stages of the condition. In a large number of these people, cognitive impairment can lead to dementia in later life. At present, there are no therapies that have been proven to be effective in preventing this progression. Lifestyle, physical exercise, familial setting, and tasks requiring focus and memory all have an impact on how the brain ages. In other words, physical activity can be a true medicine for improving our mental performance. The MOVE-BRAIN-PD (Movement improves brain health and cognition in Parkinson's disease) project, an international study, has been launched by the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS. Its goal is to demonstrate how aerobic physical activity can improve cognitive function and slow its decline in Parkinson's disease. The project kick-off meeting, which brought together all consortium partners, was held on September 19th at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS in Rome. The objective of MOVE-BRAIN-PD is to assess the efficacy of a remotely monitored home aerobic training program on cognitive function and motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease and mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI). Furthermore, researchers will look at indicators of inflammation and neurodegeneration, as well as alterations in the alpha-synuclein protein, to better understand the molecular mechanisms that underpin the advantages of physical activity. Scientists will also investigate the characteristics that promote or hinder physical exercise adherence in order to create individualized educational programs that encourage healthy lifestyles in the patient population. In the trial, participants will commit to exercise at least twice a week for a year. Then, they will undergo an examination and have blood taken to analyze markers that monitor the progression of inflammation and the degenerative process. "Proving that people with Parkinson’s can and must play an active role in their care by changing their lifestyle to slow and ease symptoms is crucial. The project's results will be used to develop national recommendations, in consultation with institutions and scientific societies, to implement awareness-raising strategies modeled after those that have been implemented for cardiovascular disease in recent decades", explains Calabresi.