Beyond the Brain: Whole-Body Roots of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
- Gyeonghyun Cho
- Sep 8
- 1 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Sep 8, 2025
Gyeonghyun Cho
A recent study suggests that Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease may not only occur in the brain, but also as a result of long-term, body-wide changes. The study highlights the intestinal-brain axis, hormonal imbalance, and metabolic diseases as the main causes of the development of these neurodegenerative diseases. This perspective shifts the focus from treating symptoms in old age to identifying risk much earlier.
Studies have shown that conditions such as diabetes, vitamin D or B deficiency, and indigestion are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In some cases, these health problems appear 10 to 15 years before the official diagnosis, suggesting that they may act as early warning signs. The study emphasizes the importance of considering full-body health when assessing brain health.
Experts believe the study could reshape prevention strategies by encouraging doctors and patients to monitor indicators more closely, such as blood sugar, thyroid function, and intestinal health. Paying attention to these factors could delay or prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Ultimately, the study highlights that brain health is deeply related to overall physical health.
