The Microbiome in Parkinson’s (2017)

During this talk at the 2016 Parkinson Society BC Annual General Meeting, Dr. Silke Appel-Cresswell provides comprehensive insights into the potential impact of the microbiome on Parkinson's disease. She highlights the crucial role of the microbiome, emphasizing its contribution to various essential bodily functions, including digestion, vitamin production, and immune system modulation. Dr. Appel-Cresswell underscores recent research indicating that imbalances within the microbiome can lead to gut barrier permeability, inflammation, and communication disruptions between the gut and the brain, potentially leading to the manifestation of Parkinson's disease symptoms.

The discussion highlights significant findings, revealing associations between early Parkinson's symptoms such as constipation, loss of smell, anxiety, and depression, and variations within the microbiome. The session references studies showcasing disparities in the microbiome composition between individuals with and without Parkinson's, while also detailing animal experiments that suggest the prevention and exacerbation of Parkinson's symptoms through the manipulation of gut microbes and short-chain fatty acids.

**Disclaimer: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. The information conveyed in this recording was accurate at the time of presentation.**