Parkinson's disease is a degenerative brain disease that is accompanied by impaired motor functions, such as tremors, slow movements, and muscle stiffness, as well as mental health issues like depression and anxiety. While there is still no fundamental treatment, various studies are ongoing into the causes, prevention methods, and treatments of Parkinson's disease, as the number of patients continues to rise globally. In particular, recent studies are focusing on finding clues to treat Parkinson's disease from relatively nearby sources, such as dietary habits and naturally derived ingredients.
Researchers at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, noted on the 7th in the journal "Neurology" that "frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods, which dominate modern diets, may more than double the risk of developing Parkinson's disease." Ultra-processed foods include snacks, sausages, donuts, and ready-to-eat meals, which are known to cause inflammation in the body due to their high content of sugar, salt, and trans fats, potentially impairing brain function.
The research team analyzed health and dietary data from 43,000 Americans. The result showed that individuals consuming more than 11 servings of ultra-processed foods daily are 2.5 times more likely to exhibit three or more early signs of Parkinson's disease compared to those who consume only three servings. Common early symptoms of Parkinson's disease include chronic pain, constipation, impaired sense of smell and color recognition, depression, and excessive sleepiness.
Xiang Gao, a professor at Fudan University's Institute of Nutrition, who led the study, stated, "While consuming ultra-processed foods is convenient, their low nutrient density negatively impacts not only metabolic disorders but also brain health," adding, "This study confirmed that a higher intake of ultra-processed foods increases the likelihood of developing prodromal symptoms of Parkinson's disease." Gao's research team is preparing additional studies, believing that reducing intake could prevent symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Regarding the study findings, researchers at Columbia University in the U.S. remarked, "The prevention of neurodegenerative diseases can start at our dinner tables," and noted, "consumption of ultra-processed foods may accelerate the progression and worsening of symptoms of these diseases."
There are also studies confirming the potential for treating Parkinson's disease with certain mushrooms that had been banned for consumption. A research team from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) recently announced results indicating that psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound extracted from mushrooms, can improve cognitive and motor functions in patients with Parkinson's disease. This study was published last month in the journal "Neuropsychopharmacology."
Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound extracted from mushrooms commonly known as "magic mushrooms," has gained attention for its potential effectiveness in treating depression, leading to ongoing clinical trials for new medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated psilocybin as a treatment for depression, resulting in its legalization in some states in the U.S., although it remains illegal domestically.
The researchers conducted a small-scale clinical trial administering psilocybin to 12 patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. After an initial dose of 10 mg, an additional 25 mg was given two weeks later. Observations over a month showed significant improvements in patients' cognitive and motor functions. This effect persisted for at least three months following the treatment.
Ellen Bradley, a professor of neuroscience who led the study, explained, "Patients with Parkinson's disease often experience depression or anxiety, but they frequently do not respond well to existing antidepressants," stating that "psilocybin stimulates several serotonin receptors to regulate dopamine release, which can positively affect motor functions and emotional recovery."
However, Professor Bradley added, "While it is true that psilocybin may assist in treating Parkinson's disease, additional research is necessary to determine whether it is safe for all Parkinson's patients, as the research is still in its early stages."
References
Neurology (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000213562
Neuropsychopharmacology (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-025-02097-0