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For 200 years, the cause of Parkinson’s disease has eluded scientists.
Now a Finnish study shows that it may be an intestinal bacterium.
– If this leads to the disease being slowed down, that’s great. I don’t want my children and grandchildren to get it, says Lenah Thuresson, who has suffered from Parkinson’s for 16 years.
After being misdiagnosed with burnout, Lenah Thuresson finally got answers to why she was constantly so tired and why her left arm wasn’t behaving the way she wanted it to.
She had Parkinson’s disease.
– I was actually very relieved because I had just read the book “Ro ut åror” by Ulla-Carin Lindquist, which was about her ALS. She wrote that it had started in her left arm and I also had problems with my left arm. So I was glad it wasn’t ALS.
The doctors could not give her any reason why she had been affected – the reason has been a mystery for 200 years.
But now researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified an intestinal bacterium that is likely to be behind the disease – and estimate that heredity only accounts for about 10 percent of the disease.
More specifically, it is a certain strain of so-called desulfovibrio bacteria that spreads to people via the environment.
“Significant results” Professor Saris at the University of Helsinki. Photo: Press image / bionautit.fi
– There is a consensus that there is a correlation between Parkinson’s and intestinal flora. But we have taken a first step towards pointing out that there is more than one correlation. It is about the bacteria spreading via a nerve up to the brain, where they then grow. It takes many, many years before it develops into Parkinson’s, says Per Erik Saris, professor at the Department of Microbiology at the University of Helsinki, to Aftonbladet.
According to Per Erik Saris, the first symptoms can already appear ten years before the disease has developed in the form of a hard stomach and problems with stool.
– It has long been known that this route from the gut exists, but it has never been associated with Parkinson’s. There are other neurological diseases that go from the stomach to the brain, for example mad cow disease.
Desulfovibrio bacteria are found in soil, water and common food and are almost impossible to avoid.
But the hope is that the discovery will make it possible to identify people who have a high level of the bacteria in order to start early treatment.
– In this way, the symptoms that occur with Parkinson’s disease can possibly be prevented and slowed down.
Lenah Thuresson reacts positively to the new research, but believes that her own illness may have something to do with heredity.
– My spontaneous reaction is probably that there are different forms. My brother also has Parkinson’s so there seems to be a bit of a family picture after all.
“Good that research is making progress”
She has now lived with the disease for 16 years and says that thanks to medication and a DBS operation (Deep brain stimulation, editor’s note) she has a good quality of life.
– I will soon go on a tour of the Balkans for two weeks. I don’t let Parkinson’s stop me. It’s a trip I thought seemed interesting. I travel as long as I can.
Lenah Thuresson feels that it was above all the DBS surgery that led to an improvement in her health.
– In DBS, electrodes are inserted into the brain, which are then connected to a pacemaker-like device via a cord. They create stimulation deep within the brain. I got a new life after that operation.
When she hears about the new research, she gets hope that people in future generations will not have to suffer from Parkinson’s.
– For my part, it doesn’t matter what causes the disease, I already have it. But for those who haven’t received it yet, it’s very good that research is making progress. If the disease can be stopped in some way, that would be great. I don’t want my children and grandchildren to get it.
Facts
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s is a nerve disease that destroys the cells that produce dopamine, making it difficult for the brain to control the nerve signals that control movement.
The disease usually begins after the age of 55.
The first symptom is usually a vague discomfort on one side of the body. After that, you may experience tremors and stiffness, find it harder to move and multitask.
Other symptoms can be low blood pressure, constipation, cramps, sweating, eczema, reduced sex drive or difficulty in tasting and smelling.
It is not possible to get rid of Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments and medicines that can reduce the symptoms. Many sufferers can live as usual for many years, but over time the symptoms become more severe.
(Source: 1177)
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