Parkinson's disease: What role does the immune system play?
Although Parkinson’s disease is generally considered a brain disorder, recent research has found that the body’s immune system may play a role in the development of this condition. Medical News Today spoke to Parkinson’s disease experts about why this might be. Share on Pinterest What role does the immune system play in Parkinson’s disease? Image credit: TonyBaggett/Getty Images. Over the past few years, we have learned much more about the immune system and its impact on various diseases and aspects of our health. While it helps protect the body from invading germs and viruses, the immune system also lends a hand in the overall health of different parts of the body such as the brain , heart , and gastrointestinal system . And when a person’s immune system is not healthy, it leaves them susceptible to viral infections and other diseases. It can also impact their mental health and even cause sleeping issues . In the case of the neurodegenerative condition Parkinson’s disease, research...