Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Parkinson's Disease: an Analysis of the Potential Correlation

Abstract

Research findings on the correlation between Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)  and the onset of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are inconclusive. With PD affecting thousands of individuals, it is imperative to determine a potential causal link.  The purpose of this literature review is to under-stand the validity and extent of the relationship between TBI and PD by examining population demographics, biological, sociological, and cognitive factors, as well as therapeutic treatments.  Previous research has found that the incidence of TBI can occur during the prodromal period of PD, which is theperiod when symptoms of the disease begin to show, though the directionality of the correlation between TBI and the onset of PD requires a more in-depth investigation. Other findings include the over accumulation of alpha-synuclein in the substantia nigra—a protein that regulates vesicle trafficking—which is prominent in both patients with TBI and those with PD. The presence of Tyrosine Hydroxylase from TBI has also been proven to contribute to the decrease in dopamine seen in PD. Hippocampal damage is present in patients who experience either PD or TBI, which leads to cognitive decline. These findings indicate a positive correlation between TBI and the subsequent onset of PD, and confirm the need for additional research to develop new therapies for PD.