Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common brain disorders in the world, especially among older adults. It affects movement, balance, and coordination, and over time it can also influence memory and thinking.
Today, scientists estimate that between seven and ten million people worldwide live with Parkinson’s disease. Even though the disease has been studied for many decades, doctors still do not fully understand why it begins.
A new study from researchers at the University of Copenhagen is now offering important clues that may help explain how the disease develops.
The research was led by Professor Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas and was published in the scientific journal Molecular Psychiatry. The study focuses on a very small but extremely important part of the cell known as mitochondria. These structures exist inside almost every cell in the body. Their main job is to produce energy that cells need in order to survive and function.
Mitochondria are often described as the “powerhouses” of the cell. Just like a power station provides electricity to a city, mitochondria provide energy that allows cells to do their work. This energy is especially important for brain cells, also called neurons, because they require a constant and reliable supply of energy to send signals throughout the brain and body.
Like all parts of the body, mitochondria can become old or damaged over time. Normally, cells have a built‑in system that identifies these damaged mitochondria and removes them. The cell then recycles the useful parts and clears away the waste. This cleaning process helps keep cells healthy and prevents harmful materials from building up.
However, the new research suggests that in people with Parkinson’s disease, this natural cleaning system does not work properly. Instead of being removed, damaged mitochondria begin to accumulate inside nerve cells.
When these faulty mitochondria build up, they cannot produce enough energy. As a result, neurons slowly lose their ability to function normally. Over time, these brain cells weaken and eventually die.
The loss of these important neurons is what leads to the movement problems that are typical in Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance. In some cases, patients may also develop memory problems or dementia as the disease progresses.
The study also discovered that this problem is linked to certain genes connected to the immune system. The immune system is usually responsible for protecting the body from infections, including viruses and bacteria.
But these immune-related genes appear to have another role as well. They help control how cells manage energy and how damaged mitochondria are removed.
When these genes do not function properly, they can interfere with the system that clears away defective mitochondria. This creates a blockage in the process, allowing damaged mitochondria to remain inside neurons and continue harming the cells.
Interestingly, some of the same immune pathways involved in this process are also important in fighting viral infections. For example, related genes have been connected to how the body responds to viruses such as COVID‑19.
In fact, mutations in some of these genes have been linked to more severe illness during viral infections. This finding suggests that the immune system, brain health, and energy production inside cells may be closely connected.
To investigate the problem in detail, the scientists examined several large datasets from patients with Parkinson’s disease.
They studied brain tissue samples from people who had the disease, including patients who had also developed dementia. By comparing these samples with those from healthy individuals, the researchers could identify differences in gene activity.
The analysis revealed that certain harmful proteins were more active in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease.
One protein in particular, called PIAS2, appeared at much higher levels than in healthy individuals of the same age. The researchers believe that this protein may play an important role in the chain of events that leads to mitochondrial damage and nerve cell loss.
Because this protein is linked to important cellular pathways, it may also help explain both common forms of Parkinson’s disease and inherited versions that run in families.
The discovery opens the door to new possibilities for treatment. If scientists can find ways to repair the blocked cleaning system inside cells, they may be able to remove damaged mitochondria and restore energy production in neurons. In theory, this could slow down the disease or possibly prevent further damage to the brain.
Researchers are now continuing their work to better understand these biological processes and to explore potential therapies that target this pathway. Their long‑term goal is to develop treatments that protect brain cells and help people maintain healthy brain function as they age.
Although more studies are needed, this research provides a clearer picture of how Parkinson’s disease may begin. By understanding the role of mitochondria, immune genes, and cellular energy systems, scientists are moving closer to finding better ways to treat or even prevent this challenging neurological disease.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies that Vitamin B may slow down cognitive decline, and Mediterranean diet could help lower risk of Parkinson’s.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how wheat gluten might be influencing our brain health, and Olive oil: a daily dose for better brain health.
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