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May 2, 20262 citations

Preventive strategies in neuroimmunology.

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KRKarin Riemann-LorenzAAAnke AlbertyMBMaryam Balke

Key Points

  • The aim is to evaluate the impact of lifestyle and behavioral modifications on neuroimmunological diseases and prevention strategies.
  • Review of evidence regarding physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress, and digital health interventions.
  • Assessment of modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors affecting disease risk and management.
  • Consideration of interventions from primary to quaternary prevention.
  • Physical activity positively influences symptoms and quality of life through immunomodulatory mechanisms.
  • Obesity and vitamin D deficiency are linked to MS risk and progression, with limited evidence for specific diets.
  • Modifiable risk factors like smoking are well established, while digital health strategies may enhance self-management.

Abstract

Neuroimmunological diseases arise from a complex interplay of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and immune-mediated mechanisms. In this context, modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors may contribute to disease risk and disease course, at least in a subset of patients. Accordingly, while disease-modifying immunotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, lifestyle-related factors are increasingly recognized as relevant targets for prevention and supportive disease management. This review summarizes current evidence on physical activity, nutrition, substance use, sleep, stress, rehabilitation, and digital health interventions across all levels of prevention-primary to quaternary. Physical activity exerts immunomodulatory and potential neuroprotective effects through pathways involving cytokines, growth factors, cerebral perfusion, and immune cell redistribution, and is associated with improvements in symptoms, function, and quality of life. Nutritional factors, including obesity and vitamin D deficiency, may be associated with MS risk and disease progression, whereas evidence for specific diets or supplements remains limited. Smoking represents a well-established modifiable risk factor for both MS disease development and progression, while findings regarding alcohol consumption are inconsistent. Sleep disturbances and chronic stress could influence immune regulation and symptom burden and may act as both risk and disease-modifying factors. Rehabilitation constitutes a cornerstone of tertiary prevention, and emerging digital technologies, including tele-exercise and virtual reality, may offer promising low-threshold strategies to support long-term self-management. Overall, lifestyle and behavioral interventions represent powerful, supportive and complementary tools in neuroimmunology, that may enhance overall health and disease management. High-quality interventional studies are required to define the optimal role of preventive strategies alongside immunotherapy.

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Cite This Study

Riemann-Lorenz et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69f594fc71405d493afffebehttps://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-026-00490-8
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