The Gut-Brain Connection in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Studies have also revealed the influence of gut bacteria on neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Parkinson's disease. In ALS, certain bacteria have been found to accelerate the disease progression, while others have a protective effect. In animal models of Parkinson's disease, a strain of E. coli in the gut produces a misfolded compound similar to the Parkinson's protein. Injecting this misfolded protein into the guts of susceptible rodents leads to the misfolding of the normal protein in the intestinal lining and subsequent spread of misfolded proteins via the vagus nerve. These insights offer new possibilities for intervening in the progression of Parkinson's disease and provide hope for future treatments. While the research is still in its early stages, it suggests that our behavior is controlled not only from the top down but also from the bottom up by our gut bacteria.