Parkinson’s disease is a condition that is known for causing tremors, stiffness, and slow movement.
However, another common symptom is the loss of sense of smell. Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered the biological mechanism behind this symptom.
The researchers used a mouse model that mimics Parkinson’s disease symptoms in mice.
They found that the mice with later-stage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease had a reduced sense of smell.
These mice also showed reduced neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb, which is where the sense of smell is processed in the brain.
Healthy aging brains continue to form new neurons in the olfactory bulb throughout life. However, the mice with Parkinson’s disease symptoms did not have this neurogenesis.
This suggests that the loss of sense of smell in Parkinson’s disease is due to a lack of new neuron formation in the olfactory bulb.
Parkinson’s patients have reported the loss of sense of smell for years, but little research had been done to understand the underlying biological mechanism of this symptom.
The researchers hope that these findings could help in developing a very early diagnostic tool for the disease.
Understanding the biological mechanism behind the loss of sense of smell in Parkinson’s disease is important because it could help doctors diagnose the disease earlier.
This is important because early diagnosis can lead to earlier treatment and potentially better outcomes for patients.
How to prevent Parkinson’s disease
There is currently no known way to prevent Parkinson’s disease. However, there are some things that may help reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s or delay its onset:
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Exercise helps to maintain the health of brain cells, and it may also increase the brain’s production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is affected in Parkinson’s.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein may help to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Some studies suggest that a diet high in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, may also be beneficial.
Avoid exposure to toxins: Some chemicals and toxins have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.
These include pesticides, herbicides, and solvents. Limiting exposure to these substances may help to reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
Get enough sleep: Poor sleep quality has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Getting enough sleep may help to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s or delay its onset.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet may help to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies about Vitamin E that may help prevent Parkinson’s disease, and Vitamin D could benefit people with Parkinson’s disease.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about new way to treat Parkinson’s disease, and results showing a big cause of common Parkinson’s disease.
The study was conducted by Eduardo Martin-Lopez et al and published in The Journal of Neuroscience.
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