Study uncovers link between Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

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Scientists have discovered biological mechanisms that may link Parkinson's disease to Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica.

Researchers from the University of Florida say their findings could lead to targets for new treatment that combats both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as many other neurological disorders.

For their study, the researchers investigated a protein called tau. They explain that tau is a soluble protein in the brain that binds to microtubules - components that play an important part in cell processes - helping to support neuronal function.

The normal function of tau is supported by phosphorylation - a process that switches protein enzymes on and off and regulates their function and activity.

However, the researchers say that in some diseased brains, the tau protein can become abnormally phosphorylated and cause "clumps" or "tangles." These tangles, called tauopathies, are linked to cognitive impairment found in some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, and are also linked to around 20% of Parkinson's cases.

Parkinson's patients can develop tangles of the tau protein as a result of a mutated enzyme called LRRK2, the researchers say.

From conducting a series of mammalian studies, the researchers discovered that standard LRRK2 adds groups of phosphate to tau protein, while mutated LRRK2 adds significantly more phosphates to tau protein.

Using these findings, the research team were able to uncover two sites on the tau protein - T149 and T153 - where the mutated LRRK2 was able to add phosphate groups, which they linked to tangle formations.

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Study uncovers link between Alzheimer's and Parkinson's