Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) are two serious brain conditions that affect millions of people in the U.S. They cause movement problems like shaking and stiffness, and as they progress, they can lead to memory loss and confusion.
Scientists have been studying these diseases for years, trying to find better treatments. Now, researchers at Scripps Research have made an important discovery that could help slow them down.
At the center of both diseases is a protein called alpha-synuclein. In healthy brains, the body removes old or unneeded proteins, but in people with Parkinson’s and LBD, alpha-synuclein builds up and forms clumps. These clumps damage brain cells and can even spread from one cell to another, making the disease worse over time.
A key part of the body’s cleanup system is a protein called p62. It helps remove unwanted proteins to keep cells healthy. However, the researchers found that in Parkinson’s and LBD, p62 isn’t working properly.
A process called S-nitrosylationchanges p62, preventing it from doing its job. This happens because of high levels of nitrogen molecules in the brain, including nitric oxide. When p62 stops working, more and more alpha-synuclein clumps form, making the disease worse.
This discovery is important because it suggests a new way to fight these diseases. If scientists can stop p62 from being changed by nitrogen molecules, they might be able to prevent alpha-synuclein from building up and spreading in the brain. That could slow down or even stop Parkinson’s and LBD from getting worse.
The researchers are also looking into whether certain vitamins, like E and D, might help prevent or treat Parkinson’s. These vitamins are already known to be good for brain health, and now scientists are exploring whether they could help keep p62 working properly.
While there is still a long way to go before a cure is found, this research offers hope. By learning more about what causes Parkinson’s and LBD to worsen, scientists are getting closer to finding ways to slow or stop these diseases. This could lead to new treatments that improve the lives of millions of people in the future.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about inflammation that may actually slow down cognitive decline in older people, and low vitamin D may speed up cognitive decline.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about common exercises that could protect against cognitive decline, and results showing that this MIND diet may protect your cognitive function, prevent dementia.
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