Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that affects a person’s movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination. The exact cause of Parkinson’s is unknown, but experts believe that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in increasing a person’s risk of developing the disease. Recent research has suggested that the gut may play a major role in the development of Parkinson’s, with damage to the upper gastrointestinal tract potentially increasing the risk of developing the condition by 76%.
A study conducted by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) found that individuals with mucosal disease (MD) of the upper gastrointestinal tract had a 76% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those without this condition. The study followed 9,350 participants who underwent endoscopy and biopsy investigations between 2000 and 2005, with a total of 100 people being diagnosed with Parkinson’s during the follow-up period. The researchers noted that individuals with Parkinson’s were more likely to have experienced constipation, acid reflux, and dysphagia, which have been previously associated with the disease.
Alpha-synuclein is a protein found in the brain that forms Lewy bodies and leads to the loss of dopaminergic neurons, which is a key feature of Parkinson’s disease. This protein has also been detected in the gut, suggesting a possible link between gut health and Parkinson’s. The study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the gut-first hypothesis of Parkinson’s, which proposes that the disease may originate in the gastrointestinal tract and spread to the brain via the vagus nerve. Lifestyle measures such as exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding toxins, and moderate consumption of coffee or tea may help reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
The researchers emphasized that while their study focused on individuals who sought investigations for gastrointestinal symptoms, everyone experiences small amounts of damage to the gut lining throughout their lives. It is still unknown how these small amounts of damage may impact the risk of developing Parkinson’s. They also noted that minimizing the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, reducing stress, and cutting down on alcohol can help improve gut health and potentially reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s. Healthcare providers are advised to pay closer attention to individuals with a history of gastrointestinal issues and monitor them for signs of Parkinson’s, especially if they experience other prodromal symptoms of the disease.
Moving forward, researchers are interested in investigating how injury to the gut lining may trigger proteins to misfold, leading to the development of Parkinson’s disease. They also plan to explore whether a lack of dopamine in the gut of individuals destined to develop Parkinson’s could put them at higher risk of gut lining damage. By further studying the connection between the gut and the brain in Parkinson’s, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the disease and potentially identify new therapeutic targets for treatment. Overall, the study contributes to the growing body of research on the gut-brain connection in Parkinson’s disease and highlights the importance of gut health in overall well-being.
