New findings point to potential therapy for Parkinson's Disease

medicalxpress.com ^ | December 19, 2017 | by Anna Williams, Northwestern University

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For Inquiring Minds who want to know..

The Role of Alpha-Synuclein in Parkinson’s Disease: Insights from Animal Models

Mechanisms of -synuclein and MPTP toxicity.a | In normal animals (-synuclein+/+), the parkinsonian effects of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) are due primarily to inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, which causes generation of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in the cell and leads to cell death. ROS activate apoptotic cascades that lead to the demise of dopamine (DA) neurons5. They are also believed to accelerate the process of -synuclein aggregation and potentially lead to formation of more ROS through the toxic protofibrils, therefore generating a cycle of death for the DA neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta31. DA itself, when oxidized, stabilizes the protofibrillary form of -synuclein during the process of fibrillization, increasing the concentration of protofibrils and, therefore, of ROS present in the DA neurons93. DAT, dopamine transporter; VMAT, vesicular monoamine transporter. b | The DA neurons of -synuclein-null mice (-synuclein-/-) are resistant to MPTP38. This observation might be accounted for by reduced MPTP transport through the DAT (1), increased vesicular sequestration of the drug (2), or the lack of -synuclein (3) if this protein is required for MPTP toxicity38. c | Recently, -synuclein protofibrils have been suggested to be neurotoxic through a mechanism other than the induction of ROS formation. They can form elliptical or circular amyloid pores, resembling bacterial toxins. These pores have the ability to puncture the membrane and release the cellular contents, leading to cell death

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The link to Lewey Body Dementia is very interesting.

https://draxe.com/lewy-body-dementia/

It’s a sad and widely publicized fact that comedian and actor Robin Williams’ death cause was suicide, but did you know that a commonly misdiagnosed brain disease called Lewy body dementia (LBD) is said to be the real underlying cause of his premature death?

Since Williams’ 2014 death, his wife has revealed that his last year of life was plagued by unexplained mental symptoms like delusions and anxiety as well as physical symptoms of muscle rigidity and impaired movement. Unfortunately, doctors didn’t realize that Williams was suffering from Lewy body dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) until his body was autopsied.

Lewy body dementia is a complex brain disorder that can be very tricky to diagnose, treat and manage. LBD is not as well-known as its cousin conditions, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, but it’s not a rare health problem. According to the National Institute on Aging, over 1 million Americans are affected by Lewy body dementia and its extremely challenging affects. (1)

Is there hope for people suffering from Lewy body dementia? Some LBD symptoms may respond to treatment for a period of time, but there’s currently no cure to Lewy body dementia. However, there is some good news. While having a family member with LBD can increase your risk, LBD is not normally considered a genetic disease, so just because it runs in your family doesn’t mean you’re destined to as well. More positive news — your lifestyle can have a big impact when it comes to your chances of developing brain diseases like Lewy body dementia. A healthy, nourishing diet, regular exercise and daily mental stimulation are just some of things you can do to help ward off and improve LBD. Read on to learn more about how to naturally treat and slow the progress of Lew body dementia.

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a disease associated with abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These deposits, called Lewy bodies, affect chemicals in the brain whose changes, in turn, can lead to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood.

This protein is also associated with Parkinson's disease. People who have Lewy bodies in their brains often have the plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Lewy Body Dementia Natural Treatment; Avoid Food Triggers

Diet plays a key role in cognitive decline and disorders like LBD or DLB. (2) Here are some foods to avoid to help prevent hte development of cognitive disorders.

Sugar and refined carbohydrates

Gluten

Aluminum

Any food containing toxins or additives

Alcohol

Tap water