Although Parkinson’s disease is generally considered a brain disorder, recent research has found that the body’s immune system may play a role in the development of this condition. Medical News Today spoke to Parkinson’s disease experts about why this might be. Over the past few years, we have learned much more about the immune system and its impact on various diseases and aspects of our health.
While it helps protect the body from invading germsTrusted Source and viruses, the immune system also lends a hand in the overall health of different parts of the body such as the brainTrusted Source, heartTrusted Source, and gastrointestinal systemTrusted Source.
And when a person’s immune system is not healthy, it leaves them susceptible to viral infections and other diseases.
It can also impact their mental healthTrusted Source and even cause sleeping issuesTrusted Source.
In the case of the neurodegenerativeTrusted Source condition Parkinson’s disease, researchers still do not know exactly what causes it. However, some researchers now believe that it may have direct ties with the health of a person’s immune system.
Medical News Today spoke with six experts to find out how the immune system might cause Parkinson’s disease.
They also discuss how further research into this area might help scientists in developing new therapies and even protect against Parkinson’s disease.
And they offer advice on modifiable factors a person could change to help potentially influence the immune system and protect against the condition.
An immune system that does not function correctly is a main driver of systemic inflammation in the body.
Studies have shown that chronic inflammation may play a role in the development of a variety of conditions, including cardiovascular diseaseTrusted Source, diabetesTrusted Source, mental health concerns like depressionTrusted Source, and brain-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s diseaseTrusted Source.
According to Dr. Julie Pilitsis, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, established at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health, there is mounting evidence that inflammation plays a role in many diseases, including those of the brain.
