A groundbreaking clinical study led by researchers in Belgium has shown the potential of fecal transplants to improve symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s patients can develop both motoric and non-motoric symptoms, including balance problems, stiffness, tremors, loss of smell, constipation, and REM sleep disruption. The study found that clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein misfold and harm dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain, leading to classic Parkinson’s symptoms.
The research team from the neurology department at University Hospital Ghent collaborated with Ghent University and the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research to examine whether a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) using healthy gut bacteria from a donor could affect the development of Parkinson’s symptoms over one year. After one year, the treated group showed a significant improvement in motor symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement became noticeable between the sixth and twelfth month after the transplant. Although more research is needed, the study provides promising hints that FMT can be a valuable new treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
The findings of this groundbreaking study have been published in the journal EClinicalMedicine. The researchers believe that FMT offers a potentially safe, effective, and cost-effective way to improve symptoms and quality of life for millions of people with Parkinson’s disease worldwide. Further research is necessary to investigate whether this treatment also slows the overall progression of the disease.
