Brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s rarely appear overnight. Instead, they build slowly in the background, often decades before memory loss or movement problems occur. A new study highlights several everyday health problems that might act as early warning signs.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Gut problems without a clear cause, such as IBS, were strongly associated with increased risk of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, emphasizing the importance of the gut-brain connection.
Vitamin D deficiency
Low vitamin D levels were observed more often in people who later developed neurodegenerative conditions, underlining the importance of monitoring nutrient status.
Diabetes
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes raised risk, but type 2 was more closely tied to Alzheimer’s, likely because of long-term metabolic strain on the brain.
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Thyroid hormone disturbances
Having too much or too little thyroid hormone was linked to a greater chance of Parkinson’s disease in later life.
Chronic indigestion
Persistent discomfort such as acid reflux and bloating was not only unpleasant but also linked to higher Parkinson’s risk years before diagnosis.
Stomach and intestinal inflammation
Conditions like gastritis or duodenitis were flagged as early signals particularly tied to Alzheimer’s development.
Disrupted fat metabolism
Abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, usually associated with heart problems, also appeared to increase the likelihood of Alzheimer’s.
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Bacterial gut infections
Past intestinal infections may trigger long-lasting inflammation that raises the risk of brain cell damage over time.
B vitamin deficiency
Lacking key B vitamins, which are vital for nerve function and energy production, was identified as a precursor condition to Parkinson’s disease.
Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
Issues with sodium, potassium, or blood acidity were among the disorders connected with later Alzheimer’s diagnoses, showing how overall body health influences the brain.
Timing makes a difference
The study found risks were strongest when these health issues appeared 10–15 years before a diagnosis, showing how neurodegeneration often unfolds over decades.
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Artiklen er baseret på informationer fra Medical News Today
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