Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that primarily affects mobility, balance, and muscle control, but its symptoms can also include mood changes, gastrointestinal problems, and a decline in memory and other cognitive functions.
Current treatments for Parkinson's disease include dopaminergic medication, deep brain stimulation, and speech and occupational therapy; however, researchers are continuously searching for more and better treatments.
In the past year, numerous studies have focused on a specific aspect of Parkinson's disease, namely gastrointestinal health. However, why is gastrointestinal health significant in Parkinson's disease, and what can it reveal about the disease?
Why consult your gut?
In recent years, a growing body of evidence has suggested that the brain and the stomach communicate in both directions. This has been termed the gut-brain axis by researchers. The gut-brain axis has been linked to numerous brain-affecting diseases, including dementia and depression. In fact, Parkinson's disease is also characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation, in some patients. There is a theory that the disease actually begins in the intestines and then travels to other tissues and the brain via the vagus nerve.
Dr. Demirkan and her colleagues observed in a recent study that Parkinson's disease patients had distinct gut microbiomes characterized by dysbiosis — the phenomenon of an imbalance between so-called good and harmful bacteria.
What potential mechanisms exist?
Some of the bacteria that are overabundant in Parkinson's disease are pro-inflammatory, which means that they can induce inflammation. This suggests that systemic inflammation may be one of the mechanisms involved.
In fact, chronic brain inflammation is a crucial component of Parkinson's disease, and some studies suggest that systemic inflammation may exacerbate brain inflammation and contribute to disease progression. A 2018 Danish study, for instance, found that individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a 22% greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease than their peers who do not have this inflammatory condition. However, Dr. Demirkan emphasized that this potential mechanism has not yet been confirmed, and that additional research is required before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Could diet combat Parkinson's dysbiosis?
While there are some dietary recommendations and nutritional supplements that may provide some symptom alleviation for some individuals, the extent to which diet can affect the progression of this disease remains unclear.
When queried about the ability of diet and supplements to regulate gut bacteria in Parkinson's patients, Dr. Demirkan expressed reservations. Due to the fact that people have different risk factors for Parkinson's as well as varied manifestations of the disease, it is difficult to make general recommendations that would be effective.
Can exercise aid Parkinson's disease?
Despite this, there is evidence that exercise may be an effective method for managing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. At least two and a half hours of exercise per week could help people with Parkinson's enhance their mobility and slow disease progression, according to 2017 research.
Dr. Demirkan concurred that exercise can be an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease. In fact, some research indicates that the heat stress that occurs during exercise may reduce intestinal blood flow, which may ultimately affect the gut microbiome by suppressing some bacteria and allowing others to proliferate.
A Cochrane review published in January 2023 determined that virtually all forms of exercise can help enhance the quality of life for those with Parkinson's disease. Additionally, endurance training is beneficial for both enhancing life quality in general and managing motor symptoms in particular.
資料來源：Maria Cohut, Ph.D. (2023), Fact checked by Hilary Guite, FFPH, MRCGP “Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut”. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/in-conversation-why-parkinsons-research-is-zooming-in-on-the-gut