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Showing posts with the label oxidative stress

Overworked Neurons and Parkinson’s Disease: How Burnout Fuels Neurodegeneration

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Introduction - Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide. Its hallmark symptoms—tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and balance challenges—highlight the decline of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. But why do these critical cells falter in the first place? A growing body of research suggests that chronic overwork and metabolic strain on neurons may play a pivotal role in their eventual burnout. Much like an overtaxed engine that eventually seizes, neurons under constant stress may suffer cumulative damage, leading to dysfunction and death. In this post, we'll explore what drives this neuronal overwork, how it unfolds at the cellular level, and how it ties into Parkinson’s pathology. We’ll begin by mapping the energetic demands of neurons, particularly dopaminergic ones. Next, we’ll unpack the mechanisms of oxidative stress, mitochondrial vulnerability, protein misfolding, and neuroinflammation—all linked to “burnout...