Link Found Between Gut Bacteria and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Researchers believe they found a link between bacteria in the gut and neuro-degenerative diseases. Those diseases include Parkinson's disease, ALS, and Alzheimer's disease. But these diseases have perplexed scientists, as they are not sure about the associated causes. However, a recent study conducted at the University of Louisville may have found a reason. Since these diseases are characterized by misfolded proteins, the research team checked proteins in the gut produced by bacteria. They discovered that certain proteins in the gut are structured similarly to proteins in the brain. Their control group with gut proteins also showed signs of enhanced cerebral inflammation, resulting from a clump of proteins.