The Role of Microbes for Triggering Neurological Diseases

Abstract

Neurological diseases have become a focus of study due to the aging of society. This research analysis different diseases including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, where the microbes that cause or contribute to their development of symptoms. This includes what causes the diseases’ symptoms and how microbes contribute to those symptoms. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are largely connected with neuroinflammation and amyloid build-up in the brain. Spirochetes are known to produce neuroinflammation. Chlamydia pneumoniae has been shown to increase in the patient’s brain, but this is not supported by all research. Porphyromonas gingivalis infection is connected to neurodegeneration. Although exercise may aid in the slowing of the development of Alzheimer’s disease, the underlying mechanisms are uncertain. Parkinson’s disease is mostly caused by neuron death, which leads in decreased dopamine levels. This is due to DJ-1, which has been related to cell cycle checkpoint disruption. Repeated infections with Citrobacter rodentium cause Parkinson's-like motor symptoms as well as the mice lose their dopaminergic neuronal axonal varicosities. Proteus mirabilis causes neuronal loss. Lactobacillus and inflammation have been related in stroke. Other than the microorganisms discussed in this article, there are many more that influence the brain and contribute to diseases. More study could look into ways to reduce the presence of those microorganisms and reverse the damage they cause.