How Do You Prevent Parkinson’s? Your Kidneys Might Be the Answer

How Do You Prevent Parkinson’s?

While there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, new research suggests prevention may start with protecting your kidney health. A 2025 study published in Nature Neuroscience revealed that toxic proteins linked to Parkinson’s, called α-synuclein, can build up in the kidneys and spread to the brain when kidney function declines.

This finding shifts the way we think about Parkinson’s prevention: your kidneys may be the first line of defense.

The Link Between Kidneys and Parkinson’s

• α-synuclein buildup: Healthy kidneys help remove harmful proteins from the bloodstream. When kidneys are damaged, these proteins accumulate and may trigger brain changes seen in Parkinson’s.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD): People with CKD have a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s, possibly due to reduced protein clearance.
• Animal studies: Researchers found that when mice had α-synuclein injected into their kidneys, the protein later spread to the brain—indicating a direct kidney-to-brain pathway.

How to Protect Your Kidneys (and Possibly Reduce Parkinson’s Risk)

Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent Parkinson’s, supporting your kidney health could reduce risk. BASS Medical Group’s nephrology experts recommend:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink adequate water daily to keep kidneys filtering efficiently.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, and vegetables while limiting salt and processed foods.
3. Manage Blood Pressure and Diabetes: Both are leading causes of kidney damage.
4. Exercise Regularly: Improves both kidney and brain health.
5. Avoid Overuse of Painkillers (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen can harm kidney function when overused.
6. Get Regular Kidney Checkups: Early detection of kidney problems can prevent long-term damage.

Can Healthy Kidneys Help Prevent Parkinson’s?

The researchers concluded that the kidney may play a critical role in the initiation and spread of Parkinson’s-related proteins, rather than being a passive organ. Maintaining kidney health could potentially reduce the buildup of harmful proteins like α-synuclein, which the study suggests may travel from the kidneys to the brain.

BASS Medical Group’s Approach to Prevention

Our team of nephrologists, neurologists, and primary care providers at BASS Medical Group takes a proactive approach to kidney and brain health. We focus on early detection and prevention strategies that protect your overall well-being.

Reference:‍

Yuan X et al. Propagation of pathologic α-synuclein from kidney to brain may contribute to Parkinson’s disease. Nat Neurosci. 2025. DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01866-2.