Oral Health, Gut Bacteria, and Parkinson’s: What Phoenix Patients Need to Know About the Gut-Brain
Sep 27, 2025
At the Center for Neurology and Spine (CNS), we don’t just treat symptoms — we stay on the front lines of neuroscience, integrating cutting-edge discoveries into patient care.
A major new study published in Nature Communications (2025) has revealed that a common oral bacterium, Streptococcus mutans — often linked to dental cavities — may play a direct role in driving Parkinson’s disease. The bacterium produces a compound called imidazole propionate (ImP), which crosses from the gut into the brain and triggers the very processes that damage dopamine neurons and worsen motor symptoms.
For patients and families in Arizona, this is more than just lab science. It provides a new window into how lifestyle factors like oral hygiene, gut health, and diet can influence neurodegenerative diseases. It also highlights why partnering with a Parkinson’s specialist Phoenix team like CNS is so critical: we combine advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and participation in research studies that push neurology forward.
In this article, we’ll explore what this breakthrough means for Arizona patients, while giving you practical insights into symptoms, red flags, testing, treatment pathways, and lifestyle choices. You’ll also learn why CNS and Dr. Leslie Zuniga are trusted by families across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, and beyond for comprehensive brain and spine health.
Why Choose a Neurologist in Phoenix AZ at CNS
Symptoms and Red Flags for Parkinson’s and Related Neurological Disorders
Testing and Diagnosis in Phoenix
Treatment Pathways for Parkinson’s, Migraines, Epilepsy, MS, Memory Care, and Neuropathy
Lifestyle in Arizona: Gut-Brain Axis, Oral Health, and Everyday Tips
Research and Second Opinions at CNS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Schedule at CNS
On-Page SEO Optimization and Hashtags
At CNS, our mission is simple: provide compassionate, expert-driven neurological care to every patient who walks through our doors. But what sets us apart?
Comprehensive Care: We offer full-spectrum neurology, including EEG testing Phoenix AZ, EMG testing Phoenix, brain scan center Phoenix, migraine clinics, memory disorder evaluation, and advanced treatments for Parkinson’s, MS, Alzheimer’s, and more.
Research Integration: Our team stays actively engaged in clinical research, translating discoveries like the S. mutans–ImP–mTORC1 pathway into real-world patient care.
Personalized Attention: Dr. Leslie Zuniga, a board-certified neurologist, specializes in headaches, Parkinson’s disease, and general neurology. Patients frequently highlight her ability to explain complex conditions clearly and guide them step by step.
Arizona Accessibility: With a central location serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Paradise Valley, and Ahwatukee, patients throughout the Valley have easy access to expert neurological care.
The new study demonstrated several important findings:
Patients with Parkinson’s had higher levels of S. mutans in their gut microbiome, specifically a gene (urdA) that produces imidazole propionate.
Imidazole propionate entered the bloodstream and brain, triggering loss of dopamine neurons and worsening motor symptoms
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.
The compound activated mTORC1, a pathway linked to aging and neurodegeneration.
In mouse models, blocking this pathway with drugs like rapamycin reduced the damage.
What this means for Arizona patients: Parkinson’s may not just be about genetics. Oral health, gut bacteria, and environment could influence the risk and progression of disease. CNS physicians use this knowledge when counseling patients on prevention, treatment, and research opportunities.
Imagine a Phoenix patient in their early 60s noticing mild hand tremors. They visit CNS, where Dr. Zuniga evaluates not only neurological signs but also gut health history, dental background, and metabolic risk factors like diabetes. Drawing on this new research, she explains how oral bacteria could be playing a role and discusses advanced testing and treatment options — from medications to lifestyle changes and clinical trial enrollment.
This personalized, science-driven care is the hallmark of CNS.
Recognizing symptoms early can make a life-changing difference. Parkinson’s disease is often underdiagnosed in its earliest stages, when interventions may be most helpful.
Tremors at rest (often beginning in one hand)
Muscle rigidity or stiffness
Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
Balance problems or frequent falls
Reduced facial expression (masked facies)
Smaller handwriting (micrographia)
Soft or slurred speech
Constipation
Loss of smell (anosmia)
Sleep disturbances
Depression or anxiety
Cognitive changes
Research shows that these non-motor signs may appear years before classic tremors. For example, gastrointestinal changes tied to the gut-brain axis could precede diagnosis, linking directly to the bacterial findings discussed earlier.
Many patients ask voice assistants questions like:
“What are the early signs of Parkinson’s?”
“Why is my hand shaking at rest?”
“Who is the best Parkinson’s specialist in Phoenix?”
By structuring answers in short bullet points like these, CNS ensures our online content helps patients quickly find trusted medical information.
Beyond Parkinson’s, CNS patients should watch for:
Severe, sudden headaches (possible migraine complications)
Seizures (epilepsy care Phoenix)
Memory loss interfering with daily life (memory clinic Phoenix)
Numbness, tingling, or burning in feet and hands (neuropathy doctor Phoenix)
Sudden vision changes or weakness on one side (stroke warning signs)
If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, don’t wait. Early evaluation by a neurology specialist Phoenix can improve outcomes.
At CNS, diagnosis goes far beyond a physical exam. Our clinic offers state-of-the-art neurodiagnostic testing, often completed onsite for convenience.
| Test | What It Measures | Conditions It Helps Diagnose | Availability at CNS |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEG (Electroencephalogram) | Brain’s electrical activity | Seizures, epilepsy, unexplained spells | Yes – EEG testing Phoenix AZ |
| EMG (Electromyography) & Nerve Conduction Studies | Muscle and nerve activity | Neuropathy, ALS, radiculopathy | Yes – EMG testing Phoenix |
| MRI / CT | Brain and spine imaging | Stroke, tumors, neurodegenerative disease | Local hospital partners |
| Memory & Cognitive Testing | Thinking, recall, attention | Alzheimer’s, dementia | Yes – memory clinic Phoenix |
| Genetic Testing | Inherited risk factors | Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, rare disorders | Available through referral |
The recent study suggests that in the future, doctors may screen for bacterial genes like urdA or for blood levels of imidazole propionate as biomarkers of Parkinson’s
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. While not yet standard, CNS follows these developments closely and can refer patients to research labs if appropriate.
Dr. Zuniga personally reviews diagnostic findings with each patient. Her approach emphasizes:
Clarity: Explaining results in plain language.
Timeliness: Minimizing wait times for EEG/EMG testing.
Next Steps: Linking results to personalized treatment plans.
Patients often tell us that they leave CNS with not only answers, but also a clear path forward.
Treatment for neurological conditions is not one-size-fits-all. At CNS, we tailor each plan to the individual, combining proven therapies with emerging research.
Current Parkinson’s therapies focus on managing symptoms:
Medications
Levodopa/Carbidopa (gold standard for motor symptoms)
Dopamine agonists
MAO-B inhibitors
COMT inhibitors
Amantadine for tremor or dyskinesias
Non-Medication Therapies
Physical therapy and balance training
Occupational therapy to maintain independence
Speech therapy for swallowing and voice changes
Advanced Therapies
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) referral for eligible patients
Clinical trial opportunities at CNS and partner institutions
Emerging Research
The Nature Communications study highlights mTORC1 inhibitors like rapamycin and bacterial enzyme (UrdA) blockers as potential future therapies
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. While not yet available clinically, CNS monitors these developments closely. Patients may soon benefit from microbiome-targeted strategies to slow disease progression.
Dr. Zuniga has advanced expertise in headaches, making CNS one of the leading clinics for migraine relief in Arizona. Treatments include:
Preventive medications (CGRP inhibitors, beta-blockers, anticonvulsants)
Acute therapies (triptans, gepants)
Botox injections for chronic migraine
Lifestyle guidance on hydration, sleep, and diet
Enrollment in migraine clinical trials
For epilepsy, CNS offers:
EEG testing onsite for fast diagnosis
Anti-seizure medication management
Referral for epilepsy surgery evaluations if needed
Patient education on seizure safety and triggers
Our memory clinic provides:
Cognitive testing and early detection
Medications like donepezil or memantine
Support for families and caregivers
Access to clinical trials investigating disease-modifying therapies
We provide comprehensive MS care, including:
Disease-modifying therapies (oral, injectable, infusion)
Symptom management for fatigue, spasticity, or bladder issues
MRI monitoring and biomarker guidance
Coordinated rehabilitation services
Neuropathy can result from diabetes, chemotherapy, or idiopathic causes. CNS provides:
EMG testing for diagnosis
Medications (gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine)
Pain management strategies
Lifestyle counseling (exercise, foot care, nutrition)
Living in Arizona presents unique lifestyle factors that affect neurological health.
The S. mutans study shows why brushing, flossing, and dental care may matter not only for your teeth but also for your brain. Good oral health could reduce the risk of imidazole propionate production and downstream Parkinson’s changes.
Arizona’s desert climate makes hydration essential. Dehydration can worsen migraines, neuropathy, and memory issues. CNS encourages:
Drinking water throughout the day
Limiting sugary drinks
Monitoring fluid intake during summer months
A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fiber, vegetables, and probiotics supports gut diversity, which may protect against neurodegeneration. Patients should emphasize:
Yogurt, kefir, or probiotic supplements
High-fiber foods like beans, whole grains, and leafy greens
Reduced red meat and processed foods
Even light exercise improves brain blood flow and mobility in Parkinson’s patients. Walking, yoga, or tai chi are ideal for Arizona’s active lifestyle.
Patients often turn to CNS for second opinions when facing complex diagnoses like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or MS.
Confirm accuracy of diagnosis
Explore alternative treatment options
Provide reassurance for patients and families
CNS is deeply engaged in research collaborations. By staying connected with national and international studies — such as the discovery of the UrdA–ImP–mTORC1 axis
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— we provide patients with access to forward-looking care.
Dr. Leslie Zuniga emphasizes that second opinions are not just for uncertainty. They are a chance to broaden treatment horizons and access the latest science.
1. What is the gut-brain axis in Parkinson’s disease?
The gut-brain axis refers to communication between the digestive tract and the brain. Recent research shows that oral bacteria like S. mutans can produce compounds that travel to the brain and worsen Parkinson’s symptoms.
2. Can dental health affect Parkinson’s risk?
Yes. Poor oral hygiene may allow harmful bacteria to colonize the gut, increasing imidazole propionate production, which damages dopamine neurons.
3. What are the first signs of Parkinson’s disease?
Early signs include tremors, loss of smell, constipation, and small handwriting. These often appear years before diagnosis.
4. How is Parkinson’s diagnosed at CNS?
We combine neurological exams with EEG, EMG, brain imaging, and memory testing. Future biomarkers may include imidazole propionate blood tests.
5. Can lifestyle changes really slow Parkinson’s?
While no cure exists, exercise, diet, hydration, and oral care may help reduce progression and improve quality of life.
6. What treatments does CNS offer for migraines?
Botox, CGRP inhibitors, preventive medications, and clinical trial enrollment.
7. Do you provide Alzheimer’s and dementia care?
Yes, through our memory clinic, which offers testing, medication, and family support.
8. How do I know if I need a neurologist near me in Phoenix?
If you experience unexplained tremors, memory loss, seizures, neuropathy, or migraines, scheduling with a neurologist is recommended.
9. Does CNS accept second opinion requests?
Yes, we regularly provide second opinions for patients seeking confirmation or alternative insights.
10. Where can I find the best neurologist Phoenix AZ for Parkinson’s?
Dr. Leslie Zuniga at CNS is widely trusted for Parkinson’s, migraine, MS, and memory care.
Taking the first step matters. Whether you’re concerned about tremors, migraines, or memory issues, CNS is here to help.
Phone: Call our Phoenix office directly
Website: Visit cnsofaz.com or centerforneurologyandspine.com
Locations: Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Paradise Valley, Peoria, and Ahwatukee
Don’t wait until symptoms worsen. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Leslie Zuniga, board-certified neurologist, and discover patient-centered care rooted in research and compassion.
Meta Title: Neurologist Phoenix AZ | Parkinson’s, Migraines & Memory Care – CNS
Meta Description: Discover expert neurology care in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Leslie Zuniga and CNS provide advanced treatment for Parkinson’s, migraines, Alzheimer’s, MS, epilepsy, neuropathy, and more. Call today.
OG Title: Expert Neurologist in Phoenix AZ – Center for Neurology and Spine
OG Description: Cutting-edge neurology care in Phoenix. Parkinson’s, migraine, dementia, epilepsy, and research-driven treatment. Serving patients across Arizona.
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External References:
Mayo Clinic: Parkinson’s Disease Overview
NIH: Gut Microbiome and Brain Disorders
Nature Communications (Park et al., 2025): Gut microbial production of imidazole propionate drives Parkinson’s pathologies
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