Lower Levels of Alpha-synuclein not better for Parkinson’s Disease: Implications for Vaccines

In a study just published from the University of Chicago and Mayo clinic, lower levels of alpha-synuclein (the protein deposited in the brain of Parkinson’s disease patients) seemed to be associated with more disability in Parkinson’s disease.  Though there are potential methodological issues with the study, it raises the question as to whether a vaccine approach is the right approach to this disease.  This article on Parkinson’s disease alpha-synuclein levels was written up in the Chicago tribune.