The underestimated widespread disease: 120 years old – but with Parkinson’s: Why real longevity begins in the mind

Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide – in Germany alone, an estimated 400,000 people are affected. And the number of unreported cases is likely significantly higher. This disease isn't just about the familiar hand tremors. Parkinson's disease is a silent, insidious process that burrows deep into the nervous system – with serious consequences for movement, mood, memory, and independence.

Anyone concerned with longevity—that is, how we can live not only longer but also healthier lives —cannot ignore this condition. After all, what good is it if we live to be 120 years old, but our brains are already failing at 70?

Nils Behrens is the Chief Brand Officer of Sunday Natural and the host of the health podcast HEALTHWISE. Previously, he served as Chief Marketing Officer for over 12 years, the face of the Lanserhof Group, and hosted the successful "Forever Young" podcast. In over 200 expert interviews, he researched ways to live longer and fitter lives. As a lecturer at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences and on LinkedIn, he regularly reports on new studies in the health sector. In his free time, he is a passionate runner, triathlete, and cyclist.

A research team has now published a discovery in the renowned journal Nature that has even experienced neuroscientists sitting up and taking notice. The key finding: Certain nerve cells in the brain appear to deliberately evade the immune system's reach—and this could play a key role in Parkinson's disease.

What previously seemed like a biological bug—that the immune system simply doesn't "see" certain brain cells—is now emerging as a possible protective mechanism. It is suspected that this very protection may be disrupted in Parkinson's disease. The result: The immune system attacks cells it should leave alone.

Sounds complex? It is. But at the same time, it's incredibly exciting. Because if we understand how and why this happens, we could find ways to specifically reactivate this protective function.

The brain was long considered a kind of "no-go zone" for the immune system – protected by the so-called blood-brain barrier. But this notion is long outdated. Today we know: The immune system plays a central role in many neurological diseases – from Alzheimer's to MS, and even Parkinson's.

The new study shows for the first time how certain nerve cells are equipped with so-called "MHC-I" molecules—or not. And this is precisely what determines whether the immune system recognizes them or ignores them. In Parkinson's disease, this protective shield appears to be crumbling—with dramatic consequences.

The good news: If we understand this mechanism, we can intervene specifically. Instead of just alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson's, we could tackle the cause directly at its root.

And this brings us full circle to the longevity movement: It's not just about living to a ripe old age. It's about filling the years we're given with life. With clarity of mind, joy in movement, and a body that's ready to go.

The idea that Parkinson's—a disease previously considered incurable—could one day be truly cured is more than just a medical advance. It's a milestone for the vision of healthy aging.

This new research direction isn't some crazy Silicon Valley fantasy. It's a realistic, scientifically sound approach that already offers hope.

Of course, there's still a long way to go from rats to humans. Clinical trials are still pending, and as always in medicine, not every theory translates directly into practice. But the approach is promising—and it shows that we need to rethink the topic of longevity .

Not as a mere biohacking experiment or an elitist wellness concept. But as an interdisciplinary research field that offers real solutions for real people—whether they're 30, 60, or 90.

So, if you're wondering how to age healthily, it's essential to consider these developments. Not to become a guinea pig, but to be able to make informed decisions about your own health.

Parkinson's disease is more than just a tremor—it's a challenge for our society, our healthcare system, and every individual. But this new study shows that we are not powerless to act. On the contrary: Science has begun to rewrite the rules of the game.

Maybe that's the key to a truly long, healthy life . And that's exactly what we're all about, isn't it?

This article is from the EXPERTS Circle – a network of selected experts with in-depth knowledge and many years of experience. The content is based on individual assessments and is aligned with the current state of science and practice.