A new scientific study suggests that changes in the bacteria that live in the gut (microbiome) may reveal the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease years before known motor symptoms such as tremor or slow movement appear.
The researchers believe that these findings may open the door to new methods for early detection and preventive treatment.
The study, conducted by researchers from University College London and published in the journal Nature Medicine, found that there are clear differences in the composition of gut microbes between people with Parkinson’s and healthy people, as well as between healthy people and people with genetic factors that increase the risk but who do not yet have symptoms.
Scientists have found that there is a distinctive “microbial fingerprint” in the intestines of people with Parkinson’s disease, and this fingerprint also appeared in people with a genetic predisposition to the disease even though they have not yet shown symptoms. These changes become more apparent as the disease progresses.
The study relied on analyzing data from hundreds of participants, including Parkinson’s patients and people with genes that increase the risk of developing the condition, in addition to healthy people. The results showed a significant difference in the types and quantities of intestinal bacteria between these groups, as more than a quarter of the types of microbes changed in patients compared to healthy people.
What did the researchers find?
When analyzing stool samples and comparing different groups (Parkinson’s patients – people with a risky genetic mutation – healthy people), the researchers noted:
- Variations in more than a quarter of intestinal bacteria
- Having a “distinctive” microbial pattern is associated with an increased risk of disease
- Similarity between genetically susceptible persons and actual patients
Researchers have also noted a relationship between diet and microbiome health; People who ate processed foods and saturated fats were more likely to have this type of microbiome associated with Parkinson’s, while diets rich in vegetables and fiber were associated with a lower risk.
Why is this important?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that develops gradually and is often not diagnosed until a large portion of nerve cells is lost. Therefore, spotting early signs may open the door to:
- Early diagnosis
- Preventive intervention
- Possibility of slowing the progression of the disease
Does the intestine cause disease?
To date, there is no conclusive evidence that changes in the intestine directly cause Parkinson’s. But researchers consider it:
- Possible early sign
- Or part of a series of changes related to the brain and nervous system
Some researchers also point out that these results are important, but they do not mean that every person with a “change in bacteria” will develop the disease, because genetic and environmental factors play a major role.