A new study from the University of Copenhagen has found a possible main cause of the most common form of Parkinson’s Disease.
This condition affects millions of people around the world and can sometimes lead to dementia as it gets worse.
The scientists discovered that the problem starts with the mitochondria in brain cells. Mitochondria are like tiny power plants that give energy to the cells. In people with Parkinson’s, something blocks the system that normally clears out damaged mitochondria.
As a result, these damaged parts build up, and the cells lose energy. Over time, this lack of energy causes brain cells to die, which leads to the symptoms of Parkinson’s and sometimes dementia.
The researchers were surprised to find that the blockage is caused by immune genes. These genes usually help the body fight viruses. They are also important for how the brain works and for keeping nerve cells energized. Some of these same immune genes are linked to bad outcomes in COVID-19, showing just how important they are for health.
To learn more, the researchers studied patterns of gene activity in brain cells from people with Parkinson’s. They found that a certain protein, called PIAS2, showed up more often in these patients. This protein may play a key role in why the mitochondrial blockage happens.
This discovery gives scientists a new target to focus on. If they can find ways to fix or unblock this pathway, it could help stop the disease from getting worse or even prevent it from causing dementia.
The study suggests that scientists should keep looking at this pathway in other types of Parkinson’s Disease, especially in families where the condition runs in generations.
This research, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, is an exciting step toward new treatments. It gives hope that one day we may be able to stop or slow down Parkinson’s Disease by protecting the brain’s energy supply.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies These common drugs may increase risk of Parkinson’s disease and Researchers find an important cause of Parkinson’s disease.
For more about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies This type of exercise may help reverse Parkinson’s disease and Supplements for Parkinson’s: Can they work?
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
