New Evidence Suggests Parkinson’s May Be an Autoimmune Disease

By Andy Niska | July 12, 2017 |

Home Care in North Spokane WA: Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complicated, progressive disease that affects parts of the nervous system that control movement. The initial symptoms of PD are sometimes very slight, such as a tremor in one hand. However, the disease worsens over time. There is, at present, no cure for the disease, but there are treatments for managing symptoms. Doctors are uncertain of what causes PD, but a recent study suggests that PD may be an autoimmune disease.

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases.

The immune system is comprised of tissue, cells, and organs in the body that work together to fight off infections and illness. It defends the body from bacteria, viruses, and other invaders that cause illness and infection. When an autoimmune disease is present, a person’s immune system is too active. Something triggers the immune system to produce antibodies and these antibodies attack healthy cells. Known autoimmune diseases include lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and many more. The treatment for autoimmune diseases usually focuses on suppressing the over-activity of the immune system.

PD as an Autoimmune Disease.

Doctors know that part of PD is the death of neurons that produce dopamine. The death of these neurons affects movement in a PD patient. When a person develops PD, their body creates clumps in the brain of a protein called synuclein. The belief has been that the neurons die because of a toxic response to these protein clumps. However, this recent study has called that idea into question.

In the past, scientists believed that neurons could not be affected by autoimmune diseases because they do not appear to show antigens on the surfaces of their cells. Antigens are microbes that the immune system attacks when an illness is present. However, by studying samples of donated brain tissue, Dr. David Sulzer of the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and his colleague, discovered that there are actually two types of neurons that show antigens. Both types are neurons that degenerate when a person has PD. Dr. Sulzer went on to conduct experiments on living mouse and human neurons created using stem cells. The research proved that the immune system would attack neurons when antigens were present.

The Future of PD.

Although this new evidence does not conclusively prove that PD is an autoimmune disease, it is a step in the right direction toward gaining a better understanding of the disease. New information like this helps further scientists’ understanding of the disease and brings new hope for better treatments and the possibility of a cure.

If your parent is struggling with a diagnosis of PD and needs help to remain safely in their home, hiring a home care provider can help. Home care providers can visit your parent’s home for just a few hours each day, a full day, or even overnight. They can assist your parent with tasks that have become too difficult to manage on their own, such as dressing, personal care, cooking, light housecleaning, and more. A home care provider can also remind your parent to take all prescribed medications according to schedule and drive them to medical appointments.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in North Spokane, WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509) 204-4088

Sources

https://newsroom.cumc.columbia.edu/blog/2014/04/17/parkinsons-autoimmune-disease/

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23431314-900-best-evidence-yet-that-parkinsons-could-be-autoimmune-disease/

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170621132904.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/definition/con-20028488

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/causes/con-20028488

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/autoimmune-diseases

https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/prevention/immune_system/index.html

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Andy Niska

Owner at Love In Home Senior Care

Andy has over 20+ years experience in the medical community and has a true compassion for seniors. With a degree in Health Care Administration, he developed a background in a variety of health care services that only comes from first hand experience. While working as a manager of a large clinic and as an account executive for medical suppliers. Andy has built valuable relationships with the medical community.

His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.