Can the Gut Microbiome Reveal Prodromal Markers and Risk for Parkinson Disease?

Several risk and prodromal markers of PD are associated with gut microbial composition.

Studies have established an association between alterations of the gut microbiome and Parkinson disease (PD). Now, researchers have examined associations between gut microbial composition and prodromal markers of PD to determine whether microbiome changes precede Parkinson disease onset and how the changes might relate to risk. This study included an existing cohort of about 600 older TREND study participants with advanced Parkinson disease. Risk and prodromal markers among study participants were assessed, including those related to diet and lifestyle characteristics, bowel function, and medication use. All the factors were analyzed with bacterial α-/β-diversity, enterotypes, and differential abundance in stool samples.

Physical activity, o…

Reviewing Author

Michael S. Okun, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America

Speaker’s BureauMedscape/WebMD CME, Movement Disorders Society CME, American Academy of Neurology CME

RoyaltiesBooks4Patients; Demos; Cambridge; Taylor and Francis; Robert Rose; Public Affairs

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; Parkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America; University of Florida Foundation

Editorial BoardsTremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements; JAMA Neurology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesParkinson’s Foundation (Medical Advisor)