Scientists link gut bacteria to early stages of Parkinson’s disease

Changes in bacteria found in the mouth and intestine of Parkinson’s disease could act as an early alert sign that their symptoms aggravate, suggest new research.

Scientists, using artificial intelligence (AI), have linked these bacterial changes to cognitive decline – which includes memory and learning problems – in people with disease.

Toxins could potentially be used as “markers” so that doctors identify Parkinson patients at a higher risk of developing dementia, as well as to help develop targeted treatments for the disease, suggest researchers.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that affects the brain, with symptoms such as involuntary tremors, called tremors, as well as psychological problems such as depression, loss of balance, sleep problems and memory problems.

According to Alzheimer’s company, around a third of people with Parkinson end up developing dementia.

Dr. Saeed Shoaie, group leader of the Biology Laboratory of Quantitative Systems (QTS) at King’s College in London, said: “The human intestine and oral bacterial communities are increasingly linked to neurodegenerative diseases.

“Disturbances in the intestinal brain axis could trigger inflammation and immune responses that contribute to neural damage.

“A common bacteria of gum disease like porphyromonas gingivalis has been discovered as a potential engine of Alzheimer’s.”

For the study, led by experts from King’s College London and published in the journal Intestinal microbesScientists analyzed 228 samples of spindles and stools.

The samples came from 41 patients with parkinson and mild cognitive impairments – which causes problems of reflection and memory – 47 patients with parkinson and dementia, and 26 healthy patients.

The team found that the intestine of people with light cognitive impairments contained more harmful bacteria, many of which are likely to come from the mouth.

This bacteria releases toxins that can damage intestinal tissue, promote inflammation and potentially affect the brain, according to researchers.

For a more in -depth analysis, the team used AI to identify species and bacterial functions which are generally not picked up by traditional tests, which allows them to relate toxins specifically to cognitive decline.

Dr. Shoaie added: “Emerging evidence highlights the potential importance of maintaining oral and intestinal health to alleviate or slow down neurodegenerative processes.

“While people with Parkinson are increasingly dependent on caregivers, routine practices such as oral hygiene and nutritional intake can be overlooked.

“Our results suggest that promoting a healthy microbiome by coherent oral care, balanced diet and potentially targeted probiotic interventions could support better disease management at Parkinson.”

Dr. Frederick Clasen, research partner at the QTS laboratory, said: “We do not yet know if bacteria cause cognitive decline or if changes in the body due to parkinson allow these bacteria to develop.

“But our results suggest that they can play an active role in worsening symptoms.”

Dr. Clasen suggests that these markers could one day be used to develop targeted treatments.

“These toxins could be used as organic markers to identify patients at higher risk of dementia in Parkinson,” he said.

“In the future, they could also be targets of new treatments that protect the brain by modifying the intestinal environment.”