Parkinson's Excess calcium leads to the formation of toxic clusters

Excess calcium is a trigger of Parkinson's?

Calcium is one of the most important elements for the maintenance of life. The mineral is needed especially for healthy bones and healthy teeth. But the heart, muscles and nerves need calcium to function properly. However, researchers now found that excess levels of the mineral in brain cells lead to the formation of toxic clusters.

Scientists from the internationally recognized University of Cambridge found in their study that excess amounts of calcium in brain cells form toxic clusters. These are involved in the development of Parkinson's. The experts published the results of their study in the journal Nature Communications.

Some foods contain a lot of calcium. Physicians are now warning that excess calcium will lead to the formation of toxic deposits involved in the development of Parkinson's disease. (Image: airborne77 / fotolia.com)

What is Parkinson's disease?

The toxic clusters found in the study are particularly common in Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a so-called neurodegenerative disease in which the central nervous system affects movement. The disease is typically caused when naturally occurring proteins fold into the wrong shape and stick together with other proteins in the brain and eventually form thin filamentous structures, explain the physicians. These amyloid deposits of aggregated alpha-synuclein, also known as Lewy bodies, are the typical sign of Parkinson's disease.

Effects of too much calcium

The results show that calcium significantly influences the interaction between small, membranous structures within the nerve endings (important for neuronal signal transmission in the brain) and alpha-synuclein (Parkinson's disease-associated protein). It is the surpluses that can cause this problem. The scientists found that an excess of calcium or alpha-synuclein plays a role in initiating the chain reaction, which leads to the death of brain cells.

Alpha-synuclein is almost like a calcium sensor

It has been demonstrated for the first time that calcium affects how alpha-synuclein interacts with synaptic vesicles, says study author Dr. Janin Lautenschlager from the University of Cambridge. Alpha-synuclein is almost like a calcium sensor. In the presence of calcium, it alters its structure and its interaction with its environment, which is probably very important for its normal function, Dr. Add Lautenschlager.

Too much calcium in the body causes problems

In his study, the team isolated so-called synaptic vesicles, a part of the nerve cells that stores the neurotransmitters that send signals from one nerve cell to another. Calcium in neurons plays a role in the release of neurotransmitters. The researchers found a fine balance between calcium and alpha-synuclein in the cell. If there is too much calcium in the body, the problem starts. The balance is tipped and aggregation begins, leading to Parkinson's disease, say the experts.

Cinnamon can slow down the onset of Parkinson's

While you can not treat Parkinson's disease completely, you can slow the formation of sufficient movement. It also helps to add cinnamon to your daily diet. Cinnamon is not only a commonly used culinary spice, but also a healing ingredient which has been known to cure a lot of health problems. A study published a few weeks ago in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology found that cinnamon can help slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.

Soak cinnamon sticks in water

One of the best ways to enjoy the full health benefits of cinnamon is to soak a cinnamon stick in water. This water must then be drunk regularly. Cinnamon enriched water is a true miracle drink with innumerable positive qualities. Orally ingested cinnamon is metabolized in the liver to sodium benzoate. This then penetrates the brain, stopping the loss of important proteins, protecting neurons, neutralizing the neurotransmitter level, and further improving the motor functions in mice with Parkinson's disease. (As)