Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) are two serious brain disorders that affect millions of people in the United States. Both diseases cause problems with movement, such as shaking and stiffness.
As they progress, they also affect memory and thinking, leading to confusion and cognitive decline. Scientists have been working for years to understand these diseases better and find ways to slow them down. Now, researchers at Scripps Research have made an important discovery that could help.
At the heart of both Parkinson’s and LBD is a protein called alpha-synuclein. In healthy brains, the body regularly removes old or unneeded proteins. This cleanup process keeps brain cells healthy and working well. But in people with Parkinson’s and LBD, alpha-synuclein builds up instead of being cleared away.
Over time, it forms clumps inside brain cells. These clumps damage the cells and can even spread to other cells, making the disease worse as it progresses.
To understand why this happens, the scientists at Scripps Research focused on another protein called p62. This protein is part of the brain’s natural cleanup crew.
Its job is to help remove unwanted proteins like alpha-synuclein, preventing them from piling up and harming brain cells. However, the researchers found that in people with Parkinson’s and LBD, p62 isn’t working properly.
The reason for this breakdown is linked to a process called S-nitrosylation. This process happens when there are high levels of nitrogen-based molecules in the brain, including nitric oxide.
These molecules attach to p62, changing its structure and stopping it from doing its job. Without p62 functioning correctly, alpha-synuclein clumps start to build up in brain cells, leading to more damage and worsening symptoms.
This discovery is significant because it opens up a new way to think about treating Parkinson’s and LBD. If scientists can find a way to stop p62 from being changed by these nitrogen molecules, they might be able to restore its ability to clear away alpha-synuclein.
This could slow down or even stop the buildup of these harmful protein clumps in the brain, potentially slowing the progression of both diseases.
The researchers are also exploring whether certain vitamins could help protect p62. Vitamins E and D are already known for their benefits to brain health. Now, scientists are investigating whether these vitamins might help keep p62 working properly, even in people with Parkinson’s or LBD.
If this proves to be true, it could lead to simple dietary changes or supplements that could slow down brain damage in people with these conditions.
Although there is still much work to be done, this research is an important step forward. By understanding why alpha-synuclein builds up and how p62 is affected, scientists are getting closer to finding ways to stop these diseases from getting worse. This could mean new treatments that help millions of people live longer, healthier lives with fewer symptoms.
The team at Scripps Research is continuing their studies to explore how these findings can be turned into real treatments.
Their work brings hope that in the near future, people with Parkinson’s and LBD may have better options for managing their conditions and protecting their brain health. This discovery is another step toward understanding these complex brain diseases and finding lasting solutions.
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 information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing Plant-based diets could protect cognitive health from air pollution.
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