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Gut Bacteria Affect Metabolism of Parkinson’s Therapy Levodopa, Study Shows

 

 

Patient differences in gut bacteria may reduce the effectiveness of medications and contribute to the development of dyskinesias.  This study implies that people that have high levels of a specific type of gut bacteria (tyrosine decarboxylase) may need more medications over time because the gut bacteria reduces the amount of medications that get into the bloodstream and reach the brain.  This offers hope that identifying those individuals “at risk for dyskinesias” may allow for different drug management regimens in the future to try and reduce that particular gut bacteria.  One day there will be more targeted pharmaceutical approaches for individuals with PD that may reduce the side effects of levodopa treatment. – Dr. Becky Farley

“to create a true partnership between people with Parkinson’s disease and researchers. This online clinical study aims to learn more about life with Parkinson’s and accelerate breakthroughs by capturing the experiences of people with and without the disease.” – MJF Organization Email