Physical Activity, Abdominal Breathing, and Other Non-Pharmaceutical Strategies for Neurodegenerative Disease Prevention and Brain Health

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are rapidly rising worldwide with population ageing. While pharmacological treatments provide modest symptomatic benefits, they are frequently associated with serious adverse effects and offer limited disease-modifying impacts. Similarly, a large body of epidemiological, clinical, and experimental evidence indicates that lifestyle-based and other non-pharmaceutical interventions can reduce risks, delay the clinical onset, and support function in people living with or at risk of NDs. This review summarizes the global burden and treatment gaps in major NDs, outlines the concept and evidence base for non-pharmaceutical interventions and then focuses on physical activities as a central pillar of brain health promotion. The study synthesizes data on the systemic benefits of exercise, its neurobiological mechanisms, including neurotrophic signaling, neurotransmitter modulation, structural and functional brain changes, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, adult hippocampal neurogenesis and the potential role of abdominal breathing. Finally, these findings are placed in the context of multidomain prevention trials, practical recommendations, and public health implications.

Keywords: Neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Physical activity, Abdominal breathing