Gut health may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to researchers.

A recent study has linked gut health to a prevalent neurological condition.

A study led by BIDMC in Boston found that individuals with damage to the upper lining of their GI tract are 76% more likely to develop Parkinson's disease.

The findings were published in JAMA Network Open on Sept. 5.

Between 2000 and 2005, 9,350 patients (average age 52) underwent an upper endoscopy within the Mass General Brigham system.

The researchers discovered that individuals with "mucosal damage" had a higher risk.

The study revealed that the average time it takes to diagnose Parkinson's disease is 14.2 years after the damage has already occurred.

The soft tissue that lines the body's canals and organs in the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems is referred to as mucosa, also known as the mucous membrane, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Trisha Pasricha, MD, a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, stated in a Planet Chronicle Digital interview that many of her patients with Parkinson's disease would recall experiencing constipation or nausea years before their diagnosis.

"Parkinson's disease can be diagnosed by observing gut symptoms like these."

Gastrointestinal dysfunction is very common in patients with Parkinson's, confirmed Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, despite not being involved in the study.

Parkinson's disease is characterized by motor symptoms such as stiffness, tremors, and difficulty walking, according to Murray.

"Non-motor symptoms, such as gastrointestinal dysfunction including constipation and difficulty swallowing, are commonly seen."

The neurologist noted that gastrointestinal symptoms may manifest years before motor symptoms.

According to Murray, the theory proposes that the pathology of Parkinson's disease may begin in the gastrointestinal tract and travel to the brain through the vagus nerve due to the early occurrence of gastrointestinal issues in Parkinson's patients.

"This study gives additional evidence to the ‘gut-first’ theory."

Causes and prevention of upper GI damage

Many factors can cause damage to the mucosal lining, Pasricha said.

She stated that these factors include taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen, consuming alcohol, experiencing stress, or being infected with bacteria like H. pylori.

"We examined people with severe stomach symptoms who underwent an upper endoscopy to investigate the cause, but everyone experiences some damage to their gut lining due to various reasons."

The doctor pointed out that it is unclear how the recurrent, minor damages affect the likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease.

Despite the risk of neurological disease, my patients should minimize NSAIDs, reduce stress, and limit alcohol intake to improve their gut health, she advised.

According to Murray, Parkinson's disease results from a decrease in the neurotransmitter dopamine, which causes muscle slowness, stiffness, and tremors, and also affects the digestive system's integrity.

The study authors highlight that it is unclear whether the injury to the GI tissue causes a decrease in dopamine or if the destruction of the GI tissue is the initial indication of a dopamine issue that eventually results in more typical Parkinson's symptoms, as stated by the individual to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Potential study limitations

The study shows a strong correlation between upper gastrointestinal tract injuries and the future onset of Parkinson's disease, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.

The researchers noted that the study did not include cases of Parkinson's diagnosed outside the Mass General Brigham system.

"The brain-gut connection is really a two-way street."

The small sample sizes in the study and the risk of "confounding variables" led the research team to call for more studies to confirm the association.

"The brain-gut connection is really a two-way street," said Pasricha.

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"The brain can be significantly impacted by the gut, and as we continue to learn more about this connection, we may discover new opportunities for early intervention and treatment strategies for various illnesses."

Funding for the study came from grants provided by the National Institute on Aging, the American Gastroenterological Association, and Harvard University.