The findings, by researchers at the University of Helsinki and the Helsinki University Central Hospital, are the latest to show the connection between intestinal microbes, Parkinson's, and other health conditions.
 

"Our most important observation was that patients with Parkinson's have much less bacteria from the Prevotellaceae family; unlike the control group, practically no one in the patient group had a large quantity of bacteria from this family," said Filip Scheperjans, a neurologist who helped lead the research.
 

The researchers said it’s unclear if the bacteria offer protection against Parkinson’s, but they hope the discovery could ultimately be used to develop a new test to diagnose the condition earlier. That could improve treatments or maybe even help prevent Parkinson's.
 

"We are currently re-examining these same subjects to determine whether the differences are permanent and whether intestinal bacteria are associated with the progression of the disease and therefore its prognosis," explained Sheperjans. "In addition, we will have to see if these changes in the bacterial ecosystem are apparent before the onset of motor symptoms. We will of course also try to establish the basis of this connection between intestinal microbiota and Parkinson's disease — what kind of mechanism binds them."
 

The study was funded, in part, by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.