Trauma, Sleep, and Epigenetics

By Michael Byron, Board Member, Friends of Parkinson’s.
This article explores the intricate nexus between environmental stressors—specifically the profound trauma of combat—and the epigenetic mechanisms that may predispose individuals to Parkinson’s Disease.

The Conceptual Depth of Epigenetic Triggers

Traditional neurology often views Parkinson’s through a purely degenerative lens. However, emerging research into epigenetics suggests that the body "remembers" trauma at a molecular level. For our veterans, the intersection of chronic sleep disruption and high-cortisol environments may act as a biological catalyst, altering gene expression and accelerating neurodegeneration.

The Levodopa Pathway: A Clinical Perspective

Understanding the treatment journey is as vital as understanding the triggers. The Levodopa transition involves five critical stages:

Absorption and Circulation: Entry into the bloodstream via the digestive tract.

Peripheral Blockade: Utilizing inhibitors to ensure the precursor reaches the brain.

Conversion to Dopamine: The enzymatic transformation within the central nervous system.

Packaging and Release: Storage in synaptic vesicles for neurological utilization.

Signal Transmission: The restoration of motor control and cognitive signaling.

Continue the Investigation

The full article provides a more eloquent and precise examination of how these stressors impact long-term brain health and the specific challenges faced by the veteran community.

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