- COVID-19 Linked to Parkinson's Risk: Some studies indicate that COVID-19 may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. This is supported by a rise in cases of parkinsonism, a group of symptoms including tremors, slow movement, stiffness, and balance problems, following COVID-19 infections.[29]
- Gut Microbiota Link to Parkinson’s Disease: Researchers found that reduced bacterial genes related to vitamins B2 and B7 synthesis in the gut microbiota are linked to Parkinson’s disease. This deficiency affects intestinal short-chain fatty acids and polyamines, which maintain the intestinal barrier. B vitamin therapy could potentially restore the barrier and treat Parkinson’s disease.[27]
- Potential link between air pollution and Parkinson's disease: The prevalence of Parkinson's seems to rise alongside increasing air pollution levels, with higher rates in polluted areas and developing countries with poor air quality. While the link isn't yet conclusive, this research offers a promising new direction.[28]
- Smartwatch Technology: Research has shown that consumer devices like smartwatches can monitor PD symptoms over time, offering a window into the disease’s progression. This technology could accelerate therapy approvals as it provides objective, real-world measures of disease progression.[1]
- Resting Tremor: A study by Murdoch University’s Center for Healthy Aging is focusing on interventions to treat resting tremor, a symptom unique to PD as it primarily occurs when the person is at rest.[2]
- Molecular Switch: Scientists from the University of Dundee have discovered a molecular switch in the brain that may protect against PD, offering a potential new target for treatment.[3]
- CHCHD2 Gene Mutation: Tokyo Medical and Dental University researchers have identified a pathological mechanism for familial PD caused by a mutation in the CHCHD2 gene. Inhibiting the associated protein Csnk1e/d may slow or halt PD development in patients with this mutation.[4]
Parkinson's Disease (PD): An Overview
Parkinson’s Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, primarily affecting people over 85. It's characterized by the buildup of α-synuclein protein in brain cells, leading to cell death. Symptoms include both motor (tremors, stiffness) and non-motor (smell changes, mood swings) issues, which can appear together or separately.
Risk Factors for PD
- Genetics
- Environmental toxins
- Head injuries
- Gut bacteria composition
Progression of PD
α-synuclein clumps disrupt cellular functions and cause the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the midbrain, crucial for movement control. These clumps may spread between neurons like prions.
Other Research Advancements
- The TMAO pathway's role in PD patients
- Link between smell dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases
- Association between pesticide exposure and increased PD risk
- Autophagy (cellular cleanup) decline as a potential contributor to PD, especially with age (research by Nobel laureate Yoshinori Ohsumi)
Impact and Current Treatments
Globally, around six million people have PD, experiencing nerve cell loss and Lewy body deposits (α-synuclein clumps). While there's no cure or treatment to slow PD progression, medications like levodopa (L-DOPA) manage symptoms by boosting dopamine levels. Genetic research is identifying mutations linked to PD, such as those in the TMEM230 gene affecting dopamine packaging in neurons.
L-DOPA, a medication that can cross the blood-brain barrier, is used to increase brain dopamine levels for treating PD and dopamine-responsive dystonia. Oliver Sacks' book "Awakenings" details his experiences using L-DOPA to treat patients in the late 1960s.
Exploring New Approaches
Lifestyle changes like ketogenic diets have shown promise in reducing PD symptoms, highlighting the need for further research on diverse treatment options and preventative measures.
Ketogenic Diets and Parkinson's Disease
A small study showed that five out of seven PD patients experienced significant symptom improvement after following a ketogenic diet for 28 days.
Side Effects of Ketogenic Diets
While generally safe, long-term keto diets may cause constipation, dehydration, and electrolyte/micronutrient deficiencies. Potential risks include increased chance of kidney stones, gallbladder problems, and bone fractures (especially in children). Women may experience menstrual irregularities and potential fertility issues. Nutritional ketosis doesn't typically reach ketone levels that cause ketoacidosis (blood acidification), but long-term safety requires further study.
Environmental Risks
Exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE), particularly in workplaces, has been linked to an increased risk of developing parkinsonism. Studies show workplace TCE exposure can significantly raise the chances of developing Parkinson's disease.
References
- Smartwatches offer window into Parkinson's disease progression
- Resting tremor in focus in new Parkinson's study
- Doctors say they are getting closer to understanding Parkinson’s Disease
- New insights into the development of Parkinson's disease in the brain
- A New Gene Has Been Linked to Parkinson's Disease
- A New Model for Discerning Parkinson’s
- Parkinson's Disease Infographic
- Parkinson's Disease Linked to Microbiome
- New Parkinson's Drug May Combat Movement Difficulties
- Increased Intestinal Permeability Correlates with Sigmoid Mucosa alpha-Synuclein Staining and Endotoxin Exposure Markers in Early Parkinson's Disease
- Alpha-synuclein and Parkinson's Disease
- Could Parkinson's disease start in the gut?
- We’ve Got a Lot of Nerves (Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM)
- Low-Level Pesticide Exposure Linked to Parkinson's Disease
- The fat-fueled brain: unnatural or advantageous?
- Treatment of Parkinson disease with diet-induced hyperketonemia: a feasibility study
- New Genetic Associations for Parkinson’s Disease Identified
- A gut-brain link for Parkinson’s gets a closer look (good)
- L-DOPA
- How your sense of smell predicts your overall health
- Rates of Parkinson’s disease are exploding. A common chemical may be to blame
- Nucleolar Disruption in Dopaminergic Neurons Leads to Oxidative Damage and Parkinsonism through Repression of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling
- Does Data-Independent Acquisition Data Contain Hidden Gems? A Case Study Related to Alzheimer's Disease
- Neuroprotective Effect of Melatonin on Sleep Disorders Associated with Parkinson’s Disease
- The Role of Intestinal Microbiota and Diet as Modulating Factors in the Course of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases
- Voigt, R.M.; Wang, Z.; Brown, J.M.; Engen, P.A.; Naqib, A.; Goetz, C.G.; Hall, D.A.; Metman, L.V.; Shaikh, M.; Forsyth, C.B.; et al. Gut microbial metabolites in Parkinson’s disease: Association with lifestyle, disease characteristics, and treatment status. Neurobiol. Dis. 2022, 170, 105780. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Treating the gut-brain connection with B vitamins to treat Parkinson's Disease
- Bad Air and Parkinson Disease-The Fog May Be Lifting
- What We Know About Covid’s Impact on Your Brain
