Science Friday Teasing Apart The Causes And Early Signs Of Parkinson’s
Jan 16, 2026
Dr. Emily Tamadonfar, a neurologist at USC specializing in movement disorders, and Dr. Michael Okun, executive director at the Norman Fixel Institute, delve into the complexities of Parkinson's disease. They explore how early signs like smell loss and sleep disorders could hint at the disease's onset. The discussion highlights genetic and environmental risk factors, such as pesticides and air pollution, while emphasizing the need for improved biomarkers. They conclude with practical lifestyle interventions and the importance of reducing harmful exposures.
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Alpha-Synuclein Is A Key Clue
- Alpha-synuclein protein misfolding and clumping is a leading suspect in Parkinson's pathology.
- Misfolded proteins may signal broader loss of cellular homeostasis rather than fully explaining disease cause.
Protein Clumps Could Be Signals
- Protein aggregates may be signals of dysfunction rather than sole causes of degeneration.
- Researchers must ask why misfolding starts, spreads, and progresses to find root causes.
Smell Loss And Dream Acting Precede Motor Signs
- Reduced sense of smell and REM sleep behavior disorder often appear years before motor symptoms.
- These prodromal signs help identify people at higher risk and guide early-detection studies.
