UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Research finds gut and mouth bacteria shifts in Parkinson’s may predict dementia risk, raising hopes for early detection and targeted therapies.
As reported by The Independent, a new study links changes in mouth and gut microbes to early warning signs of worsening symptoms in Parkinson’s patients.
How AI is helping scientists spot early dementia risks in Parkinson’s patients?
Researchers using AI have found that changes in gut and mouth bacteria are linked to cognitive decline in Parkinson’s patients. Changes like memory loss and learning problems show early Parkinson’s signs.
The study suggests these toxins may warn of dementia and help guide targeted treatments.
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder, causing tremors, poor balance, sleep problems, and cognitive decline.
The Alzheimer’s Society data reveal that around 33% of Parkinson’s patients eventually develop dementia.
Researchers at King’s College London studied 228 saliva and stool samples, with findings published in the journal Gut Microbes.
The study analysed samples from 41 Parkinson’s patients with mild cognitive issues, affecting thinking and memory. It also included 47 patients with dementia and 26 healthy participants.
Scientists found that patients with mild memory issues have harmful gut bacteria that may harm the brain.
The team used artificial intelligence to identify bacterial species and functions missed by standard tests, linking these toxins to cognitive decline.
What Did Dr Saeed Shoaie Say About Gut Bacteria and Alzheimer’s?
Dr Saeed Shoaie, team leader of the quantitative systems biology (QTS) lab at King’s College London, stated,
“The human gut and oral bacterial communities are increasingly linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Disruptions in the gut-brain axis could trigger inflammation and immune responses that contribute to neuronal damage.”
He said,
“A common gum disease bacterium like porphyromonas gingivalis has been discovered as a potential driver of Alzheimer’s.”
Dr Shoaie stated,
“The emerging evidence underscores the potential importance of maintaining oral and gut health in mitigating or slowing neurodegenerative processes. As people with Parkinson’s become increasingly reliant on carers, routine practices such as oral hygiene and nutritional intake may be neglected.”
He added,
“Our findings suggest that promoting a healthy microbiome through consistent oral care, a balanced diet and potentially targeted probiotic interventions could support improved disease management in Parkinson’s.”
What did Dr Frederick Clasen say about gut bacteria in Parkinson’s?
Dr Frederick Clasen, research associate at the QTS lab, stated,
“We don’t yet know if the bacteria are causing the cognitive decline or if changes in the body due to Parkinson’s allow these bacteria to grow.”
He said,
“But our findings suggest they may play an active role in worsening symptoms.”
Dr Clasen said the findings could guide future precision treatments, adding,
“These toxins could be used as biological markers to identify patients at higher risk of dementia in Parkinson’s. In the future, they might also be targets for new treatments that protect the brain by changing the gut environment.”
What did Wes Streeting say about modernising the NHS?
Wes Streeting stated,
“We are bringing our analogue NHS into the digital age. Our Plan for Change will rebuild our NHS, put patients in control of their own healthcare and arm staff with the latest groundbreaking technology, ending the needless bureaucracy faced by patients up and down the country.”
He added,
“We’ve already set out plans to transform the NHS App so patients can choose providers and book appointments, and we’re harnessing artificial intelligence to deliver faster and smarter care across the country. By embracing technological advancements, we can both make substantial savings for the taxpayer and build a health service fit for the 21st Century.”
How did the UK plan to use AI “Humphrey” to streamline services?
The UK government plans to use AI tools like “Humphrey” to streamline public services. The initiative aims to improve data sharing, cut delays, and reduce costs.
Humphrey includes:
- Parlex: Search and analyse decades of parliamentary debates.
- Minute: AI transcription service with customisable meeting summaries.
- Redbox & Lex: Redbox summarises policy, and Lex analyses and summarises complex laws.
Key facts about Parkinson’s patients in the UK
Around 153,000 people in the UK live with a Parkinson’s diagnosis. The average age at diagnosis is over 65. Men are slightly more affected than women.
About 1 in 37 people will be diagnosed in their lifetime. These figures highlight the growing impact of the condition on the population.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s
- Tremor at rest
- Bradykinesia
- Muscle rigidity
- Postural instability
- Loss of automatic movements
- Shuffling gait
- Micrographia
- Hypomimia