- Recent research suggests a potential “gut-brain connection” in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), known as the “gut-first hypothesis”.
- A study published in JAMA Network Open found that upper gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal damage was associated with a 76% higher risk of developing PD.
- PD is characterized by motor symptoms like tremors and rigidity, but non-motor symptoms, such as cognitive decline and gastrointestinal dysfunction, often precede these motor signs.
- Gastrointestinal issues, particularly constipation, may occur up to 20 years before motor symptoms, indicating that PD may involve dysfunction in the GI system.
| Role of Gut Microbiome: Studies suggest a strong link between the gut microbiome and brain health. High levels of dopaminergic neurons in the gut support this gut-brain connection. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut microbiota, has been associated with PD and other neurological conditions. Lewy bodies, abnormal protein aggregates found in both the brain and gut of PD patients, further indicate the involvement of the gut in PD. |
- Gut hygiene plays a key role in preventing PD and other diseases. Maintaining a healthy gut involves avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, consuming less processed food, practising hand hygiene, and eating a fibre-rich diet.
- Fecal microbiota transplantation is a potential treatment option, though it is still in the research stage.
Dig Deeper: Read about other neurological conditions.
