For decades, Parkinson's disease has long been thought of as a brain disorder, characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra — a region of the brain that regulates movement. The loss of these neurons progressively contributes to hallmark symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and decreased movement. But groundbreaking new research appearing in the journal Nature Neuroscience is refuting that long-standing assumption. The roots of Parkinson's may not be in the brain at all, according to scientists from Wuhan University in China — they could be in the kidneys.

The new study, by a Wuhan University team in China, focuses on alpha-synuclein (α-Syn), a protein intimately associated with Parkinson's. Under normal conditions, α-Syn is involved in healthy neural function. But when it misfolds and aggregates, it becomes toxic and clumps together into Lewy bodies—Parkinson's and other related disease hallmarks.

This unexpected finding is based on an increasing amount of evidence that Parkinson's could start in peripheral organs and spread to the brain, as opposed to starting in the brain itself. The potential ramifications for early treatment, prevention, and detection are staggering.

According to the authors of the study, "We show that the kidney is a peripheral organ that is an origin of pathological α-Syn." Central to this research is a protein called alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) — already far and away with links to Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders. In health, this protein is used in neuron function. But when it goes awry, it forms sticky clumps known as Lewy bodies, which disrupt brain function and are a hallmark of Parkinson's and dementia with Lewy bodies.

To reach their conclusion, the team performed a succession of very careful experiments. They studied kidney samples from individuals with Parkinson's and associated Lewy body dementias, as well as patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with no neurological symptoms. The results were dramatic: abnormal α-Syn growth was identified in the kidneys of 10 out of 11 individuals with Parkinson's or Lewy body dementia, and in 17 out of 20 CKD patients—even though these CKD patients had no evidence of disease in the brain during life.

What they discovered was astounding: Abnormal α-Syn deposits were found in 10 out of 11 Parkinson's or related disorder patients. But even more astonishing, 17 out of 20 CKD patients — with no known brain disorder — also exhibited early evidence of the same misfolded proteins in their kidneys.

This implies that protein clumping could start in the kidneys, many years before symptoms of neurological harm become evident. Traces of α-Syn pathology were also detected in regions of the brainstem and spinal cord in a few instances, again favoring the hypothesis of a kidney-to-brain route.

How Do the Kidneys Affect Parkinson's Risk?

The kidneys are not passive waste filters; they also actively remove α-Syn from the bloodstream. When kidney function is impaired, as in chronic kidney disease, this elimination process is defeated. The consequence is the accumulation of toxic proteins within the kidneys, which migrate to the brain and ultimately trigger the damage cascade causing Parkinson's.

This shift in paradigm is strengthened by epidemiological data. Massive research has revealed that individuals with compromised kidney function are at considerably greater risk of getting Parkinson's disease. The correlation is nonlinear, with increasing steepness in the risk as kidney function worsens.

Are There Multiple Triggers for Parkinson's?

This link between kidneys and brain doesn't imply the brain isn't involved in Parkinson's, but it doesn't exclude other causes either. Indeed, past studies have indicated that the gut might also be a place where α-Syn is accumulated and transmitted to the brain early on. The new research indicates Parkinson's could be a multi-system disorder, initiated by a range of causes and mechanisms—such as the kidneys, the gut, and possibly even the heart.

As the authors of the study point out, "Removal of α-Syn from the blood may hinder the progression of Parkinson's disease, providing new strategies for therapeutic management of Lewy body diseases."

Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

The revelation that the kidneys could have a central role in Parkinson's offers both new hope for early detection and intervention. If α-Syn accumulation in the kidneys can be identified before neurological signs are apparent, it might be an early warning sign, enabling the possibility of preventive measures or early treatment.

In addition, treatments to enhance kidney function or facilitate clearance of α-Syn from the bloodstream may prove to be useful weapons in the battle against Parkinson's and other disorders. This strategy would complement current methods, which target preservation of the brain's dopamine-neurons.

Although the research is revolutionary, it isn't without its constraints. The human tissue sample was quite small, and though mice work well as models for human biology, they are not replicas.

Even so, the evidence is compelling enough to support more research. Subsequent studies with bigger human populations, improved imaging technology, and more comprehensive genetic analysis could replicate and build on these findings.

If confirmed, the kidney-brain link might be the missing piece of the Parkinson's puzzle — setting the stage for earlier diagnosis, tailored treatments, and even preventive medicine aimed at flushing out or blocking α-Syn in the kidneys and blood.

The kidneys could be a silent trigger for Parkinson's disease, with poisonous protein accumulation moving from the kidneys into the brain. Keeping kidneys healthy might be the key in the battle against neurodegenerative disorders.

An exclusive published on tabloid Radar, on October 16, claimed that 70-year-old US President Donald Trump is 'riddled with arthritis', and may need a double hip replacement. The story has then been widely shared, however, the sources are anonymous.

Trump's mobility has become a heated topic of debate, however, his medical memos describe him as 'in exceptional health'.

What Does White House Say About Trump's Health?

White House released a formal memoranda from the physician to the President declaring routine examinations and reassuring the public that President's health is in exceptional condition. The memo is dated from April 2025 summary released by the White House and a July 2025 follow-up memorandum. The official memos detail a comprehensive physical examination of President Trump.

However, the memo do not note for orthopedic need or surgery.

Where Is The Claim Based On?

The tabloid’s report paints a sensational picture of severe arthritis and an alleged plan for double hip replacement, citing unnamed “sources” and hinting at possible cognitive issues. The story has since been picked up by several aggregator sites, spreading widely despite the absence of verified evidence.

Importantly, the publication provides no medical records, surgeon’s statement, or official hospital documentation to substantiate its claims. In the absence of such primary proof, the report remains unverified speculation.

However, as per the physical examination by the Walter Reed National Medical Center, President had no orthopedic surgery listed in his history.

White House again released statements and a semiannual physical note in October 2025, that contained results from preventive care and imagine performed. As per the results, Trump 'remains in exceptional health'.

The official documents specifically mention diagnoses like chronic venous insufficiency, a common cause of leg swelling in older adults, but make no reference to any scheduled hip surgery or confirmed cases of bilateral hip failure. While this doesn’t rule out a potential orthopedic concern, it does indicate that there is no primary, verifiable evidence from the White House or Walter Reed suggesting any planned surgical procedure.

What Is A Double Hip Replacement?

As per NIH researchers, a double hip replacement, also known as a bilateral hip replacement, is a surgical procedure where both hip joints are replaced in a single operation. This is performed when both hips are severely damaged, often due to conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The procedure can be done simultaneously (one surgery) or in stages (separate surgeries), but the simultaneous approach is often preferred as it typically has a shorter overall recovery time and lower risk of systemic complications like blood clots compared to two separate surgeries.

South Korean author Baek See-he, who courageously chronicled her struggles with mental health in the bestselling memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, passed away at the age of 35. Her death was announced by the Korea Organ Donation Agency, which revealed that Baek donated her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, ultimately saving five lives.

While the exact cause of her death was not disclosed, Baek’s writing had already offered readers a deeply personal glimpse into her battles with depression and anxiety. Her 2018 memoir captures dialogues with her psychiatrist over twelve weeks, combined with reflective essays that explore the cycles of self-abuse and the challenges of living with a persistent depressive disorder. Following the success of her first book, Baek published a sequel in 2019, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, which delves into the ongoing journey of striving for contentment, highlighting her openness and vulnerability.

Baek’s Battle with Dysthymia

Baek openly discussed her long-standing struggle with dysthymia, a mild but persistent form of depression. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, dysthymia affects roughly 2 percent of adults worldwide. The condition is believed to have a combination of biological, psychological, genetic, and environmental factors, although no specific genes have yet been linked to it. Chronic stress and trauma are also known contributors.

Symptoms of dysthymia are generally milder than major depression but are long-lasting. They often include a consistently sad or anxious mood, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, low energy, hopelessness, changes in appetite or weight, disturbed sleep patterns, and low self-esteem. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and therapy. Antidepressants can take several weeks to show full effects, and cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy helps patients manage distorted thoughts, improve relationships, and navigate stress.

A Legacy Through Organ Donation

Baek’s passing was marked not only by sorrow but also by the profound impact of her organ donation. According to reports cited by The Guardian and The Telegraph India, her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys were recovered at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital in Gyeonggi Province, north of Seoul—the same hospital where she was born. Baek was declared brain-dead on October 16, and her decision to donate her organs has given five people a chance at life.

Born in 1990, Baek studied creative writing at university before working for five years in a publishing house. She shared her home with her rescue dog, Jaram, and underwent psychiatric treatment for dysthymia for over a decade. The idea for her memoir grew out of her blog posts sharing therapy notes, which drew significant positive feedback from readers.

Her memoir, published in Korea in 2018 and in the UK in 2022 by Bloomsbury, combines candid discussions with her psychiatrist with reflective essays, presenting a clear-eyed yet compassionate look at living with a chronic mental health condition. Her follow-up book, released in the UK last year, continued this narrative, exploring her ongoing journey toward self-acceptance and emotional resilience.

Writing That Resonated Worldwide

Baek’s memoir, named after her favourite Korean dish, tteokbokki—a spicy rice cake dish—struck a chord with readers, selling around 600,000 copies in Korea and over a million worldwide. Her work has been published in more than 25 countries, offering a rare, unflinching insight into mental health while inspiring empathy and understanding.

Health officials in the United States have raised alarms after confirming cases of a more severe mpox strain, known as Clade I, in California. This marks the first reported instance of this strain spreading locally, as previous US cases had all been linked to international travel.

So far, three cases have been confirmed across Southern California, including Los Angeles County and Long Beach. All patients required hospitalization but are now recovering at home. The discovery has triggered concern among health experts as Clade I mpox is known to cause more serious illness than the milder Clade II strain that led to the 2022 global outbreak.

What Is Clade I Mpox?

Mpox (formerly called monkeypox) is caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox. There are two main genetic variants or clades that infect humans, Clade I and Clade II.

While Clade II was responsible for the global outbreak in 2022–23, Clade I has historically circulated in parts of central and western Africa. It is associated with more severe disease, higher rates of complications, and in some cases, fatalities, particularly among children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

Experts are now investigating how this strain might have started circulating within US borders and whether community transmission is occurring.

Early Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Mpox usually begins with flu-like symptoms and can be easily mistaken for a seasonal illness in its early stages. Common early signs include:

• Fever, chills, or sweating
• Headache and muscle aches
• Fatigue or weakness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat or nasal congestion

Within a few days, a distinctive rash develops, starting as red spots that progress into fluid-filled blisters or pustules. These can appear on the face, palms, soles, genitals, or even inside the mouth and eyes. The rash typically scabs over and heals within two to four weeks.

In more severe Clade I infections, complications may include secondary bacterial infections, prolonged healing, scarring, eye involvement leading to blindness, or inflammation of internal organs. In rare cases, systemic infection can occur, posing life-threatening risks.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Certain groups are more likely to contract or develop severe mpox:

• Those in close, intimate, or prolonged contact with an infected person
• Individuals who share contaminated clothing, bedding, or surfaces
• People exposed to respiratory droplets through face-to-face interaction
• Individuals with multiple sexual partners or exposure in commercial sexual venues
• People with compromised immunity, such as those living with HIV, cancer, or transplant recipients

Children and pregnant women

Public health experts emphasize that awareness of symptoms and early diagnosis are key to preventing further spread.

How to Stay Safe

While most mpox cases are not fatal, Clade I poses a higher risk, making prevention critical. Health agencies recommend the following:

• Avoid direct contact with people who have rashes or lesions resembling mpox.
• Do not share personal items like towels, bedding, or clothing.
• Practice good hand hygiene, wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Use masks in crowded or high-risk settings where close contact occurs.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you notice suspicious rashes or flu-like symptoms after possible exposure.

Experts also stress that vaccines used during the 2022 outbreak, such as Jynneos, remain effective against both Clade I and Clade II strains. Vaccination, combined with early treatment and isolation of confirmed cases, is expected to play a crucial role in containing the spread.