Losing balance rarely happens overnight. For many people with multiple sclerosis, it begins as subtle unsteadiness that gradually worsens, affecting daily movement and independence.
New research suggests this slow decline may be driven by an unexpected culprit deep inside the brain’s cells.
When movement control is under strain
Balance and coordination rely heavily on the cerebellum, a region that fine-tunes how the body moves.
According to researchers from the University of California, Riverside, inflammation linked to multiple sclerosis frequently targets this area.
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Their study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that this inflammation interferes with the energy supply of neurons responsible for smooth, controlled motion.
These neurons, known as Purkinje cells, are among the brain’s most energy-demanding cells. When their energy systems falter, their ability to regulate movement declines.
Energy failure before cells disappear
By examining brain tissue from people with progressive multiple sclerosis, the researchers found early signs of mitochondrial damage inside Purkinje cells.
Mitochondria are responsible for producing energy, and when they fail, neurons struggle to function long before they actually die.
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The team observed the same pattern in an established mouse model of the disease. Energy loss appeared early, while widespread cell death occurred later as symptoms became more severe.
This gradual process may explain why balance problems often worsen slowly over time.
New paths for slowing decline
The findings point to brain energy systems as a promising treatment target. Supporting mitochondrial health could help preserve movement-related brain cells and delay disability, rather than focusing solely on immune suppression.
Researchers are now exploring whether similar energy breakdowns affect other brain cells involved in multiple sclerosis.
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The work adds to growing evidence that protecting how brain cells generate energy may be key to slowing the disease’s impact on movement.
Sources: ScienceDaily and PNAS
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