parkinson's disease

Researchers affirm long-held belief that viruses can trigger Parkinson's disease

2 months ago

A new study confirms that a common virus, Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), can trigger Parkinson’s-like brain damage and movement problems in animal models.
The TMEV model is a game-changer as it uses a nontoxic viral infection instead of gene modifications or toxicants, better mimicking potential human disease origins.
Infection with TMEV led to loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, slower movement and coordination, and gait abnormalities, similar to symptoms in Parkinson’s patients.
This research supports the long-held theory that viruses, through brain inflammation, can initiate Parkinson’s, alongside genetic and environmental factors.
Future studies will compare TMEV with standard models, search for early biomarkers, and examine immune responses to viruses in Parkinson’s development.