Possible origin of Parkinson's

[Deb]

http://www.sciencealert.com/new-evidenc ... -the-brain

For years, scientists have limited the search for the cause of Parkinson's to the brain, but a growing body of evidence suggests that might be the wrong approach.

Parkinson's might actually originate in the gut before spreading to the brain, it could explain some of the strange links researchers have seen with Parkinson's patients.

Researchers have noticed that people with Parkinson's often report constipation, as well as other digestive problems, up to 10 years before they notice tremors. There's also evidence that people with Parkinson's disease have different gut bacteria to other healthy adults.

[tex]

Deb,

That's some of the information I've been needing to support my opinions about the origins of (and prevention of). Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia in general. I've been planning to write a book on these diseases but I needed some additional information to support my claims.

Thank you so much for posting that link.

Tex

[Deb]

I thought it was pretty interesting as well. I know that is the path you're on. Deb

[tex]

You probably recall that I was diagnosed with Parkinson's over 7 years ago, and I did have most of the early diagnostic markers of Parkinson's at the time. Interestingly, my symptoms are less significant now than they were then. I've since been undiagnosed by a different neurologist.

I can't help but feel that my diet changes have a lot to do with that, but maybe I've just been lucky.

Anyway, I appreciate the link.

Tex

[Rosie]

Tex, I immediately thought of you when I just now saw this article in Science Daily concerning a new drug that is the first to actually slow the progression of Parkinson's in several models and will start clinical trials next year. Interestingly, it is an insulin sensitizer and I can see connections here to to some of your other discussions on insulin sensitivity, magnesium and vitamin D. You may even make other connections based on all your research! Unfortunately you have to pay for the full scientific article which most likely gives some good background information as well as the details of the experiments. But there is a nice overview in Science Daily.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 143243.htm

Anamitra Ghosh et al. Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier regulates autophagy, inflammation, and neurodegeneration in experimental models of Parkinson’s disease. Science Translational Medicine, December 2016 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aag2210

The novelty of MSDC-0160 stems from a recently revived revelation that Parkinson's may originate, at least partially, in the body's energy metabolism. The new drug appears to regulate mitochondrial function in brain cells and restore the cells' ability to convert basic nutrients into energy. Consequently, the cells' ability to handle potentially harmful proteins is normalized, which leads to reduced inflammation and less nerve cell death.

"Parkinson's disease and diabetes may have vastly different symptoms with unrelated patient outcomes; however, we're discovering they share many underlying mechanisms at the molecular level and respond similarly to a new class of insulin sensitizers like MSDC-0160," says Jerry Colca, Ph.D., co-founder, president and chief scientific officer of MSDC.

While Brundin says he is eager to see MSDC-0160 launched into a clinical trial in Parkinson's disease, he's equally excited about the possibility of testing the drug in Lewy body dementia and other cognitive decline conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Rosie

[tex]

Rosie,

Excellent information.

Thank you for the link.

Tex