What this means
This paper is a review that pulls together ideas about aging and Parkinson's. It suggests many aging processes may help cause the disease, from cells to the gut.
Plain-English summary written by an AI model from the abstract. The original is below.
- Who it was tested in
- A review of earlier studies, no new testing
- Kind of research
- A study
The science
- Original title
- Aging-driven Mechanisms Underlying Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis: Molecular, Cellular, and Systemic Perspectives.
- Authors
- Lee AYJ, Khoo L, Ng KY et al.
- Journal
- CNS & neurological disorders drug targets
- Published
- Oct 13, 2026
- Study type
- Study
- PMID
- 42864799 ↗
Abstract
Aging is a major risk factor for Parkinson's Disease (PD) and is linked to various biological processes at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. At the molecular level, aging-related oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, genetic factors, and impaired proteostasis contribute to dopaminergic neuronal death. Cellular alterations include persistent glial cell activation, autophagylysosomal dysfunction, and impaired cellular repair mechanisms. At the systemic level, aging is associated with metabolic imbalance, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and immune system dysfunction, which may contribute to PD pathogenesis through the gut-brain axis. Antioxidant therapy, stem cell therapy, anti-aging agents, and modulation of gut-brain communication have shown promise in the management of PD. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and regular exercise, may exert anti-aging effects that could help delay or prevent the onset of PD. Emerging anti-aging interventions, including N-acetylcysteine and plant-derived compounds that support mitochondrial function, have also demonstrated therapeutic potential for PD.
Lee AYJ, Khoo L, Ng KY et al. Aging-driven Mechanisms Underlying Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis: Molecular, Cellular, and Systemic Perspectives. CNS & neurological disorders drug targets. 2026. doi:10.2174/0118715273467333261002070852. PMID: 42864799. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42864799/