Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) are two serious brain diseases that affect millions of people in the United States. They cause problems with movement, such as shaking, stiffness, and trouble walking. As these diseases get worse, they can also cause memory loss, confusion, and changes in thinking.
Scientists have been studying these diseases for many years, hoping to find better treatments. Now, researchers at Scripps Research have made an important discovery that could help slow down the damage these diseases cause.
Both Parkinson’s and LBD have something in common: a protein called alpha-synuclein. In a healthy brain, the body removes old or damaged proteins to keep brain cells working well. But in people with Parkinson’s or LBD, alpha-synuclein doesn’t get cleared out properly.
Instead, it builds up and forms clumps. These clumps harm brain cells and can even spread from one cell to another, making the disease worse over time.
Normally, the body has a cleaning system that helps get rid of these unwanted proteins. A key part of this system is a protein called p62. P62 works like a trash collector, helping clear away proteins that the brain no longer needs. But the researchers found that in Parkinson’s and LBD, p62 isn’t working the way it should.
They discovered that a chemical change called S-nitrosylation affects p62. This happens when the brain has high levels of nitrogen molecules, including one called nitric oxide. When p62 gets changed by these molecules, it can no longer do its job properly. As a result, more alpha-synuclein clumps form, and the disease progresses faster.
This is an important discovery because it gives scientists a new idea for treatment. If they can find a way to stop p62 from being damaged by nitrogen molecules, they might be able to stop the build-up and spread of alpha-synuclein. This could slow down or even stop Parkinson’s and LBD from getting worse.
The researchers are also exploring whether certain vitamins, like vitamin E and vitamin D, could help protect p62. These vitamins are already known to support brain health. Now, scientists are looking at whether they might also help p62 keep doing its job and prevent the harmful clumping of proteins.
While there is still a lot more work to do before a cure is found, this study offers hope. Understanding why and how these diseases get worse is a big step toward finding ways to slow them down.
With continued research, there may one day be new treatments that can protect the brain and improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia. For now, this discovery brings scientists closer to developing better therapies that could make a real difference for millions of people and their families.
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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