Could Parkinson’s disease originate in the gut?

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Author: Sarah McGrathPublished: 30 November 2022

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Closeup of a person's hands placed over their stomach

A new body of research has highlighted a potential link between gut health and Parkinson’s, with several studies presented at the Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting in San Diego, US.

One study focused on alpha-synuclein – a protein that can cause brain cells to die and contribute to the condition’s onset. As part of the study, the researchers created a mouse model of Parkinson’s by treating the mice with rotenone (an ingredient used in pesticides). This was found to increase clumps of alpha-synuclein in the gut, suggesting the protein may originate in the digestive system before moving to the brain.

Commenting on the research presented at the event in a press release, assistant professor of neurosurgery Sonia Villapol said: “When it comes to neurological disorders, we cannot target only the brain. Everything that happens in the gut has an impact on the brain.”

Learn more about the research on the gut and Parkinson’s disease.

To find out more about the latest Parkinson’s research, please visit the Parkinson’s Europe website.

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Could Parkinson’s disease originate in the gut?

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Author: Sarah McGrathPublished: 30 November 2022

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Karolinska Institutet study suggests Parkinson’s starts in the gut

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Could Parkinson’s disease originate in the gut?

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Author: Sarah McGrathPublished: 30 November 2022

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