Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS affect millions of adults, but scientists still do not know what causes these diseases.
Recent research suggests that people with these conditions exhibit changes in the bacterial composition of their digestive tract.
In a new study from the University of Florida, researchers found a link between specific bacteria species and physical manifestations of neurodegenerative diseases.
All neurodegenerative diseases can be traced to problems with the way proteins are handled in the body.
If proteins are misfolded, they build up and accumulate in tissues. These protein aggregates, as scientists call them, interfere with cell functioning and lead to neurodegenerative disorders.
In the study, the team was able to show that specific species of bacteria play a role in the development of these conditions.
They also showed that some other bacteria produce compounds that counteract these ‘bad’ bacteria.
Recent studies have shown that patients with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease are deficient in these ‘good’ bacteria, so the current findings may help explain that connection.
Currently, the team is testing hundreds of strains of bacteria found in the human gut.
They are also investigating how bacteria associated with neurodegeneration cause protein misfolding at the molecular level.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about how to slow down Alzheimer’s disease at the earliest stage and findings of how to predict Alzheimer’s disease-like memory loss before it appears.
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease prevention and treatment, please see recent studies about how your eyes could show early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and results showing that common heartburn drugs may increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study is published in PLOS Pathogens. One author of the study is Alyssa Walker.
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