Parkinson’s may start in the gut

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A recent study published in JAMA Network Open adds to the growing body of evidence that Parkinson’s disease may originate in the gut. Researchers have found that changes in gut bacteria and inflammation could play a role in the development of the disease, possibly years before neurological symptoms appear. Many individuals with Parkinson’s experience gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and nausea long before motor symptoms like tremors or difficulty walking develop. This research supports the idea that disruptions in the gut-brain connection could play a role in Parkinson’s, highlighting new opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment through gut health interventions.

Source

Chang JJ, Kulkarni S, Pasricha TS. Upper Gastrointestinal Mucosal Damage and Subsequent Risk of Parkinson Disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(9):e2431949. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.31949

Additional Reading

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/09/05/parkinsons-disease-gut-study/

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2024/09/parkinsons-may-take-a-gut-first-path/#:~:text=The%20risk%20of%20developing%20Parkinson's,Beth%20Israel%20Deaconess%20Medical%20Center.

https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/study-adds-evidence-parkinsons-starts-gut