Gut-Brain Connection in Parkinson’s: Immune System’s Role in Early Gastrointestinal Symptoms

A new study in mice shows how the immune system may play a role in the early gastrointestinal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, decades before movement problems develop. Researchers found that injecting a specific piece of the alpha-synuclein protein into genetically modified mice triggered inflammation and loss of nerve cells in the gut, leading to constipation …

Read more

Iron-Induced Cell Death & Alzheimers: The Microglia Connection

Researchers have uncovered an important new mechanism that causes inflammation and damage to the brain’s white matter in Alzheimer’s disease. This discovery about how brain cells called microglia die could lead to new Alzheimer’s treatments. Key Facts: The study found that microglia, which are immune cells in the brain, die through a process called “ferroptosis” …

Read more

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) Levels & Alzheimer’s Disease Risk: Findings from a Large Genetics Study

A new large genetics study has discovered new clues into how levels of a protein called apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in the blood may influence a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Key facts: Researchers found 9 new genetic variants that influence ApoE levels in the blood. Some raise levels, while others lower levels. People with …

Read more