This year, an astounding 296 peer-reviewed studies were published on the connection between Parkinson’s disease and the microbiome. This wealth of research underscores the growing recognition of the gut-brain connection and its potential to unlock better outcomes for those living with this challenging condition.
In 2024, the scientific community published 288 new peer-reviewed studies on the connection between Parkinson’s disease and the microbiome. I first heard of the microbiome in 2014, the year that Dr. Filip Scheperjans published the first paper on Parkinson’s and the microbiome. This growing body of research offers hope and urgency to uncovering better outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s. My work for John and the community isn’t over with his passing and I will continue to be inspired and guided by his memory in my search answers and solutions.
In this post, I’ll explore some of the latest topics in Parkinson’s and the microbiome, highlighting two key studies from 2024 that offer promising insights. Together, they paint a hopeful picture of what the future might hold for early diagnosis, disease management, and changing the trajectory of Parkinson’s disease.
Latest Topics in Parkinson’s and the Microbiome
The intersection of Parkinson’s disease and the microbiome is one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving areas of research. I felt that way back in 2014 when I read the first Parkinosn’s microbiome research. It is hard to believe that a decade has passed since then but I believe we are on the threshold of a sea change in how we think about Parkinson’s. It is exciting for me, especially, because I know that the microbiome is an area where we can make changes and have an impact now. We don’t have to wait another decade. .
This year, several themes have emerged:
The Role of Gut Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the gut is increasingly recognized as a driver of neurodegeneration. This inflammation can disrupt the gut-brain axis, contributing to the progression of Parkinson’s disease. LPS endotoxin is one key driver of inflammation. See my post on LPS and Parkinson’s to dig deeper.
Microbiome Signatures as Early Diagnostic Tools: Specific changes in gut microbial populations are being identified as potential biomarkers for detecting Parkinson’s years before motor symptoms develop. This is something we also worked on at The BioCollective and have shared openly with others. See my talk on Molecular Mimicry and Parkinson’s on the BiotiQuest YouTube Channel.
Gut-Brain Axis Interventions: Innovative approaches using probiotics, prebiotics, dietary strategies, and even fecal microbiota transplants are being studied to modulate gut health and its impact on the brain. See image from Dr. Andrea Merchak’s paper “Thinking Outside the Brain”
Other areas of focus include the impact of environmental toxins like glyphosate on the gut and its downstream effects on neurological health, as well as the role of microbial metabolites in protecting or harming brain cells. I have a number of talks and Podcasts discussing the issues related to glyphosate and the gut which you can find on our BiotiQuest YouTube Channel. This complex interplay between the microbiome and the brain opens up exciting possibilities for both early intervention and disease management.
Key Studies from 2024
One of the most promising studies this year explored the role of specific gut bacteria in producing neuroprotective metabolites. These metabolites have been shown to counteract oxidative stress and reduce neuroinflammation—two major contributors to Parkinson’s progression.
Why It Matters: This research paves the way for targeted probiotic therapies that could slow or even prevent the worsening of Parkinson’s symptoms.
Implications for Solutions: Imagine a future where probiotic formulations are tailored to enhance the production of these beneficial metabolites. This aligns closely with our work at BiotiQuest, where we focus on developing function-driven probiotics that support the body’s natural systems.
Another groundbreaking study identified a panel of microbial biomarkers that can predict the onset of Parkinson’s up to a decade before clinical diagnosis. This research is a game-changer in the fight against Parkinson’s, as early detection often leads to better outcomes.
Why It Matters: By intervening earlier in the disease process, patients and doctors could potentially delay the onset of debilitating symptoms.
My Vision: These findings could be combined with clinical tools to create a new standard of care, helping individuals take control of their health before Parkinson’s significantly impacts their lives and potential identify risk early and reverse the process..
Drivers of Gut Inflammation
At the heart of the gut-brain connection is the concept of inflammation. But what drives this inflammation? Key contributors include:
Dietary Factors: Processed foods, low fiber intake, and food additives disrupt gut microbiota, reducing the production of anti-inflammatory compounds like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
Environmental Toxins: Chemicals such as glyphosate and heavy metals can disrupt the microbiome and damage the gut barrier.
Stress and Lifestyle: Chronic stress, poor sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle all negatively impact gut health, contributing to inflammation.
Pathogenic Microbes and Dysbiosis: An imbalance of gut bacteria or infections can trigger the release of harmful molecules like lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are linked to both gut and brain inflammation.
Leaky Gut Syndrome: When the gut barrier is compromised, inflammatory molecules enter the bloodstream, activating immune responses and contributing to systemic inflammation.
Understanding these factors provides a roadmap for addressing the root causes of gut inflammation and its impact on Parkinson’s. There are many things on this list that you can do something about now! One connection that often isn't made in the microbiome Parkinson's literature is the connection between iron overload which is well studied in Parkinson's and pathogens. Iron feeds pathogenic bacteria and it is important to keep an eye on iron levels and consider donating blood.
Fecal transplants are another emerging area where I think we will continue to see progress in the coming years. Two fecal transplant studies this past year, one from Dr. Scheperjans from the "bottom up" and another from Dr. Bloem from the top down had different outcomes. There is still much to learn in understanding how this potential tool could be used for the benefit of people with Parkinson's. Of the 296 publications in 2024 35 were related to fecal transplants. That's more than 10% of the studies published!
A Personal Reflection
John’s journey with Parkinson’s was the reason I became a Citizen Scientist over two decades ago. His determination and resilience inspired me to think differently about health and to challenge the status quo. Although John is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in my work and in the lives of the people we have touched through BiotiQuest.
For me, this isn’t just about science—it’s about hope, healing, and the belief that we can find better answers. We can DO something NOW. Every new discovery brings us closer to that goal, and I remain committed to sharing this knowledge with you, my readers, in the hope that it might help others find a path forward.
With gratitude
