The Mysteries of Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is one of the most common types of dementia, but sadly, it still has no cure.
A protein called alpha-synuclein builds up in the brain, causing problems with thinking, reasoning, and memory. DLB also shares some symptoms with Parkinson’s disease, another neurodegenerative disorder.
Both diseases can cause movement problems and cognitive decline, but if a person with Parkinson’s starts having cognitive problems within a year, they get a DLB diagnosis.
The problem is, doctors can’t always tell which people with Parkinson’s will go on to develop DLB.
A Groundbreaking Study: The Role of Gut Bacteria
Now, a group of researchers from Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan and other institutions have made a fascinating discovery.
They found three types of bacteria in the gut that are linked to DLB. The bacteria are Collinsella, Ruminococcus, and Bifidobacterium. These findings could open up new possibilities for diagnosing and treating DLB.
Shared Traits: The Gut Bacteria in Parkinson’s Disease and DLB
Interestingly, the researchers also found some common ground between the gut bacteria in Parkinson’s and DLB. In both diseases, levels of a bacteria called Akkermansia go up.
This bacteria breaks down the lining of the intestines. At the same time, bacteria that make short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the gut go down.
SCFA are important because they create regulatory T cells, which keep the immune system in check and reduce inflammation in the brain.
Bacterial Differences: Distinguishing DLB from Parkinson’s
In patients with DLB, the researchers noticed some differences. They saw increases in Ruminococcus torques and Collinsella, and a decrease in Bifidobacterium.
In contrast, the levels of these bacteria didn’t change in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This difference could help doctors tell DLB and Parkinson’s disease apart by analyzing the bacteria in a person’s digestive tract.
Treatment Implications: Using Bacteria to Treat DLB
The researchers believe the change in these bacteria could also point to new ways to treat DLB.
For instance, Bifidobacterium increases a protein that supports neurons’ growth and development. So, a decrease in Bifidobacterium could be linked to cognitive decline in DLB.
Meanwhile, both Ruminococcus torques and Collinsella are bacteria that carry an enzyme. This enzyme regulates inflammation in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra.
This part of the brain makes dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control movement and is deficient in Parkinson’s disease.
People with DLB have higher levels of these bacteria, which might explain why their movement problems start later than those in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Future Directions: Using Gut Bacteria for Diagnosis and Treatment
These findings are exciting because they could help both in diagnosing and treating DLB.
The researchers believe that analyzing the gut microbiome could help predict which people with Parkinson’s will go on to develop DLB.
As for treatment, giving patients Ruminococcus torques and Collinsella could delay inflammation in the substantia nigra.
Meanwhile, increasing Bifidobacterium might slow down DLB’s onset and progression and reduce cognitive problems.
The researchers published their study in the journal npj Parkinson’s Disease on December 9, 2022.
Their work could lay the groundwork for new treatments for DLB and Parkinson’s disease and provide a better understanding of these complex neurodegenerative disorders.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and scientists find possible way to delay or reverse Alzheimer’s disease.
For more information on brain health, please see recent studies about Vitamin D deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
The study was published in npj Parkinson’s Disease.
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