03/04/2026
Why is the PD community focusing on the gut?
Recently, the medical community has shifted focus to the - a bidirectional path between your digestive system and brain. Studies have highlighted that GI symptoms can happen up to 20 yrs before a diagnosis. Researchers are currently investigating into whether the gut might be an early site for the formation of misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins, a hallmark of PD.
While these are interesting findings, it is important to note research is ongoing. We're dedicated to sharing developments as they emerge, so follow for more!
Sources:
1. Braak, H., Del Tredici, K., Rüb, U., de Vos, R. A., Jansen Steur, E. N., & Braak, E. (2003). Staging of brain pathology related to sporadic Parkinson's disease. Neurobiology of aging, 24(2), 197–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0197-4580(02)00065-9
2. Hawkes, C. H., Del Tredici, K., & Braak, H. (2007). Parkinson's disease: a dual-hit hypothesis. Neuropathology and applied neurobiology, 33(6), 599–614. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2990.2007.00874.x
3. Parker, A., Fonseca, S., & Carding, S. R. (2020). Gut microbes and metabolites as modulators of blood-brain barrier integrity and brain health. Gut microbes, 11(2), 135–157. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2019.1638722
4. Horsager, J., & Borghammer, P. (2024). Brain-first vs. body-first Parkinson's disease: An update on recent evidence. Parkinsonism & related disorders, 122, 106101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.2024.106101
5. Camacho, M., Greenland, J.C., Peattie, A.R.D., Spindler, L.R.B., Holbrook, J., Kahanawita, L., Fryer, T.D., Hong, Y.T. and Williams-Gray, C.H. (2026), Constipation Is Linked to Neuroinflammation in Early Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord, 41: 455-465. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.70102
6. Gut brain reel draft 1.mp4Stokholm, M. G., Danielsen, E. H., Hamilton-Dutoit, S. J., & Borghammer, P. (2016). Pathological α-synuclein in gastrointestinal tissues from prodromal Parkinson disease patients. Annals of neurology, 79(6), 940–949. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.24648
*This post is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalised guidance.