Growing evidence suggests Parkinson's disease starts in gut

Research shows key proteins in disease can spread from gastrointestinal tract to brain

Evidence that Parkinson's disease may start off in the gut is mounting, according to new research showing proteins thought to play a key role in the disease can spread from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain.

The human body naturally forms a protein called alpha-synuclein which is found, among other places, in the brain in the endings of nerve cells. However, misfolded forms of this protein that clump together are linked to damage to nerve cells, a deterioration of the dopamine system and the development of problems with movement and speech - hallmarks of Parkinson's disease.