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In a recent article, we talked about an uncommon cause of Parkinson's disease: A protein that accumulates in the appendix. If you haven't watched it yet, click on the link above to understand how, contrary to what we thought, this neurodegenerative disease can begin in the digestive system. In today's article, we're going to talk about what is the cause of Parkinson's disease?
Related Article: Life After Appendix Removal | Life After Appendix Surgery
Parkinson's Disease
Cause of Parkinson's Disease
According to scientists, there may be an accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein in the appendix, a small organ whose function is still a mystery. The protein's function is still unknown, and it attaches itself to the nerves that connect the gastrointestinal tract (where the appendix is located) to the brain, causing neurotoxic effects that can lead to Parkinson's disease.
The idea that alpha-synuclein can spread itself from the intestines to the brain is new, according to Alice Chen-Plotkin, who researches the disease at the University of Pennsylvania's hospital. These results, still very recent, led scientists to search for a cure for Parkinson's outside the brain.
Some evidence suggests that the intestine is a good place to pay attention to. People who suffer from Parkinson's disease frequently suffer from intestinal problems, such as constipation. It's still not clear why alpha-synuclein accumulates in the intestine.
Scientists say that intestinal bacteria can produce compounds that stimulate protein production. For this reason, people who had their appendix removed have fewer chances of developing Parkinson's. But it doesn't mean that removing your appendix is a good solution (or the only one).
Scientists say that intestinal bacteria can produce compounds that stimulate protein production. For this reason, people who had their appendix removed have fewer chances of developing Parkinson's. But it doesn't mean that removing your appendix is a good solution (or the only one).
Studies on this subject are still evolving. One of them observed that a protein called parvalbumin can help clean the accumulation of substances that are potentially dangerous to the brain. Now you must be asking yourself:
How can I prevent this disease?
The answer may be in your diet. Consuming certain fish can be a simple way of preventing Parkinson's. Herring, cod, carp, salmon, and red snapper all have high levels of parvalbumin. Research conducted at Tel Aviv University, Israel, studied mannitol, a sweetener commonly used in sugar-free gum.
According to the research, it can prevent Parkinson's disease from developing. Very interesting, right? In laboratories, scientists observed that mannitol can stop the formation of alpha-synuclein plaques on the brain, suggesting a new therapy for treating Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases, using the sweetener.
Studies are still being done, but it's believed that other neurodegenerative diseases can be solved with this finding. To Pernilla Wittung-Stafshed, author of the research, it's important to find ways to fight these neurological conditions in the future, considering that life expectancy increases every year, and if we ignore our health, the problems end up accumulating.
Studies are still being done, but it's believed that other neurodegenerative diseases can be solved with this finding. To Pernilla Wittung-Stafshed, author of the research, it's important to find ways to fight these neurological conditions in the future, considering that life expectancy increases every year, and if we ignore our health, the problems end up accumulating.
