Gut microbiome can reveal risk of Parkinson’s, scientists say

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London: Gut microbes may help predict Parkinson’s disease years before symptoms appear, offering hope for earlier intervention and prevention, according to a new study led by researchers at University College London.

The research, funded by the Medical Research Council, found that people with Parkinson’s disease and healthy individuals who carry a high-risk gene variant share a distinct gut microbiome profile.

Scientists said the findings could pave the way for a future test to identify people at risk of developing Parkinson’s before symptoms begin, potentially allowing earlier treatment or lifestyle changes.

The study analysed clinical and stool sample data from participants in the UK and Italy, including 271 people with Parkinson’s disease, 43 symptom-free carriers of the GBA1 gene variant, and 150 healthy volunteers.

Researchers identified 176 microbial species that differed significantly between Parkinson’s patients and healthy participants. Of these, 142 species also differed in people carrying the GBA1 variant, even though they had no symptoms.

Those genetically at risk showed gut bacteria patterns that were midway between healthy individuals and Parkinson’s patients, suggesting microbial changes may occur before the disease develops.

The team also found some healthy participants had similar gut profiles, raising the possibility they too may face elevated risk.

Diet appeared to play a role, with participants who followed more balanced and varied diets less likely to have gut microbiomes associated with higher Parkinson’s risk.

Lead investigator Professor Anthony Schapira said the study strengthens growing evidence of a link between gut health and Parkinson’s, and opens the door to testing whether changing gut bacteria through diet or medication could reduce risk.

The researchers said they confirmed the results using additional participant groups in the UK, South Korea and Turkey.

Parkinson’s disease is one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders globally and currently has no cure.