Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system, presents significant challenges for individuals living with the condition. While Parkinson’s itself is not commonly viewed as an immediately life-threatening illness, its progressive nature can gradually diminish a person’s quality of life over time.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which include tremors, stiffness, impaired balance, and difficulties with movement, can vary in severity and impact from person to person. These symptoms can lead to complications that affect daily activities and increase the risk of accidents, falls, and injuries, potentially reducing independence and overall well-being.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease wasn’t understood by doctors, but that has likely just changed.
Blame it on Desulfovibrio
According to ScienceAlert, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland suggests that a particular type of bacteria called Desulfovibrio, which is commonly found in wet environments, could play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease. The researchers discovered that these bacteria excrete compounds that trigger the formation of toxic protein clumps in brain cells. The study was conducted on genetically modified worms, and it demonstrated a potential link between the presence of Desulfovibrio bacteria and physical changes in the brain that are associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Per Satis, the senior author of the new research explained:
Our findings make it possible to screen for the carriers of these harmful Desulfovibrio bacteria,
Consequently, they can be targeted by measures to remove these strains from the gut, potentially alleviating and slowing the symptoms of patients with Parkinson’s disease.
The new findings offer insights that could lead to improved early diagnosis or even the slowing down of the disease’s progression in the future.
The new study was published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.
