Archive · 25 Nov 2025
Parkinson's Alters Brain Blood Vessels Over Time
Scientists in Australia found that Parkinson's disease changes the blood vessels in the brain over time.
This is different from what was previously known, which focused on protein buildup.
The researchers saw that certain areas of the brain's blood vessels change, including some becoming non-functional.
These changes might help doctors find new ways to treat Parkinson's and possibly other brain diseases like Alzheimer's.
The team is now looking at brain tissue from people who had Alzheimer's and another condition called dementia with Lewy bodies to see if similar changes happen in those diseases too.
This could lead to better treatments for many people.
Parkinson's disease causes progressive, region-specific changes in brain blood vessels.
Researchers identified increased presence of non-functional string vessels in the brain.
Changes in blood flow and blood-brain barrier function were also observed.
Findings suggest new treatment avenues by targeting these vascular changes.
Researchers are investigating similar cerebrovascular changes in Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia.
- Who
- Researchers from Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), University of New South Wales, and University of Sydney
- What
- Parkinson's disease causes progressive changes in brain blood vessels
- When
- Study findings published in the journal Brain
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- To understand disease progression and explore new treatment options
- Study Location
- Australia
- Key Findings
- Region-specific changes in brain blood vessels, increased string vessels
- Research Team
- NeuRA, University of New South Wales, University of Sydney
- Published In
- Journal Brain
- Potential Impact
- New treatment avenues for Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative disorders