N EW S TUDY : P ARKINSON ’ S DISEASES MAY START IN THE STOMACH Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder and the symptoms of the Parkinson’s disease are weakness, stiffness, difficulty in walking, poor balance and falls as well as impaired cognitive processing. According to a new research, Parkinson’s diseases may start in the stomach and then it spreads to the brain via the vagus nerve. Vagus nerve extends from the brain-stem to the stomach and controls unconscious body processes such as heart rate and food digestion.

Past big theory about the cause of Parkinson’s disease A past study on Parkinson’s disease suggested that it was caused by a loss of nerve cells in one of the parts of the brain. That part of the brain is known as the substantia nigra. Neurons produce a chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine acts as messenger between the brain and the nervous system and helps control and co-ordinate body movements. When these nerve cells are damaged or die then the quantity of dopamine in the brain reduces. It means the control your brain exerted on the movement of body parts does not work properly. In addition a few environmental factors are also known to cause Parkinson’s disease. However, researchers have also noted many changes that take place within the brain of Parkinson’s disease patients although it not clear why these changes occur. Some changes such as the presence of Lewy bodies have not been explained so far. Researchers believe these Lewy bodies hold an important clue to the cause of Parkinson’s disease. Lewy bodies cause the disease via the abnormal deposit of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. It affects chemicals within the brain and changes the brain pattern which in turn can lead to problems with thinking, movement, and behavior.

Latest research indicates Parkinson’s diseases starts from the gut In a recent study it was found that people who underwent resection surgery are less susceptible to Parkinson diseases. Resection surgery means removing a part or all of the tissue or structure or even the whole organ from the stomach. A resection may be performed for a wide variety of reasons such as remove a tissue that is known to be cancerous or diseased. Via this surgery one may get treatment and cure for a stomach disease or disorder. Resection surgery is also knows vagotomy. Researchers found after adjusting for factors such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, arthritis and other conditions, people who had undergone truncal vagotomy within the past five years were found to be less prone to contract Parkinson’s diseases as compared to people who did not undergo any truncal vagotomy. These results provide strong evidence that Parkinson’s disease may start in the stomach.

Whatever theories proposed rock steady boxing is the only respite Rock steady boxing involves quite a few exercises such as stretching, running, jump roping, push-ups, and balancing led by experienced coaches. Boxing therapy provides a full body workout and it is very useful for Parkinson’s diseases patient because of the rapid combinations of hand-eye coordination with footwork. It will help the re-development and strengthening of brain and body function. Rock Steady Boxing is the first gym in USA dedicated to the fight against Parkinson’s. It is has an important role to increases self-esteem and confidence for Parkinson’s patient.