Are the Kidneys Linked to Dementia and Vision Health?

The kidneys play a crucial role in supporting brain health and maintaining optimal vision. In this article, we will examine the flow of vital energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine and look at the latest findings on Parkinson’s Disease. Find out how the intricate relationships between the kidneys, brain, and eyes can help you stay healthier as you age.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Meridians

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridians run throughout the body, with many going to the eyes. Therefore, healthy meridian flow is essential for helping maintain and support healthy vision and overall health.

The kidney meridian supports and nourishes the eye lens. It helps bring blood nourishment to the retina.

Other related meridians:

• The sclera, which is the white tissue surrounding the eyeball, connects to the lungs.
• The bottom eyelid to the stomach.
• The top eyelid to the spleen.
• The cornea and iris to the liver.
• The Spleen meridian supports nourishment to the eyes.
• The Liver meridian “opens to the eyes”, so it is the primary meridian an acupuncturist would focus on initially related to eye health. A healthy liver meridian is essential for promoting overall circulation and energy flow to all parts of the eyes.
• The Kidney meridian “opens to the ears”, so it is the meridian primarily responsible for healthy hearing.

Brain Health: Parkinson’s Disease

Scientists have discovered that Parkinson’s Disease may start in the kidneys. The study revealed that pathological alpha-synuclein, the hallmark protein behind Parkinson’s, can accumulate in the kidneys and then spread to the brain. This overturns the long-held belief that Parkinson’s always originates in the central nervous system.

This new study shows a connection between the build-up of alpha synuclein (α-Syn) in the kidneys and that of the brain related to Parkinson’s Disease. The kidneys remove α-Syn and Lewy bodies from the blood. A mouse study showed that when kidney function is compromised, this reduces the kidneys’ ability to reduce α-Syn in blood cells, which may act as an initiation site for pathogenic α-Syn spread, including to the brain¹.

Lewy Bodies

Lewy bodies are abnormal protein deposits made up primarily of alpha-synuclein, a protein vital for normal brain cell function—especially at synapses, where nerve cells exchange information. In Lewy body dementia, alpha-synuclein accumulates and forms clumps within neurons, most often beginning in brain regions responsible for memory and movement. These clumps interfere with normal nerve cell activity, leading to reduced function and, eventually, the death of affected neurons.

Parkinson’s is also linked to antioxidant loss, free radical increases², and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Alpha-synuclein also targets pre-synaptically dopamine active transporter (DAT), a complex series of mechanisms affecting dopamine transmissions related to controlling voluntary and involuntary movements³.

If the precise α-syn assembly and the capability to control α-syn oligomerization breaks down, these molecules could change their configuration to become large α-syn aggregates, which eventually leads to Lewy body formation⁴. Aging is one of the factors that diminishes the proteolytic efficiency that plays an important additive role in the accumulation of α-syn.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. Common symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity, slowed movement, and difficulty with balance and coordination. As the condition advances, individuals may struggle with walking, speaking, or performing everyday activities. It’s important to note that symptoms can differ widely from person to person.

In people with Parkinson’s disease, abnormal protein deposits—known as plaques—accumulate mainly in the substantia nigra pars compacta and locus coeruleus within the midbrain. These brain regions are responsible for producing key neurotransmitters that regulate both the nervous system and essential bodily functions. Over time, the loss of these cells disrupts normal brain signaling, contributing to the hallmark symptoms of PD.

Lifestyle Considerations

High Sugar Levels

There is a strong school of thought that chronic blood sugar elevations are involved in depression and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease⁵.

Inflammation

Parkinson’s⁶ (and Alzheimer’s) is characterized by neuroinflammation that appears in old age when chronic inflammation in the body compromises the immune system⁷.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a significant role in neurodegenerative diseases⁸ by disrupting the cell’s ability to produce energy efficiently. This impairment can trigger harmful processes such as excitotoxicity and abnormal cell signaling, ultimately leading to increased rates of apoptosis, or programmed cell death. These disruptions contribute to the progressive loss of nerve cells seen in many neurological disorders⁹.

Sleepwalking or Sleep Talking

Research finds that those who sleep walk or/and talk in their sleep have a 50% chance of developing Parkinson’s or dementia within a decade¹⁰.

Heavy Metal Build-up

Accumulation of heavy metals in the body can disrupt normal neurotransmission, contributing to the development of neurodegenerative conditions. This toxic build-up may result in a range of symptoms, including cognitive impairment, movement disorders, and difficulties with learning and memory. Research has linked heavy metal-induced neurotoxicity to several neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)¹¹, autism spectrum disorders, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Gulf War syndrome, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Wilson’s disease¹². Notably, molecular epidemiology studies have found that long-term exposure to lead increases the risk of ALS and Parkinson’s disease, highlighting the significant neurodegenerative effects of lead toxicity¹³.

Misfolded Protein

Misfolded proteins can accumulate in the brain when the natural process of autophagy—often described as the cell’s housekeeping system—doesn’t function properly. Autophagy helps neurons clear out waste products, such as damaged mitochondria and large protein clumps, which is essential for maintaining healthy brain cell function and survival¹⁴. When this recycling process breaks down, misfolded proteins build up, a key feature in the progression of several neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease¹⁵.

Gut Health

Disruptions in the brain-gut microbiota axis have been linked to a range of health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), depression, and anxiety. Research also suggests that imbalances in this complex communication network may contribute to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease¹⁶.

Pesticides and Environmental Chemicals

A 2019 meta-analysis reports that exposure to pesticides and herbicides increases the risk of developing PD¹⁷ by 50%¹⁸. Poisoning by organophosphorus pesticides causes oxidative stress, inflammation, and acts on enzymes crucial to neurotransmission, as well as mutates genes¹⁹.

Drugs

Medications with a high anticholinergic burden (ACB) score of 3—commonly prescribed for conditions like depression, Parkinson’s disease, and urinary incontinence—have been associated with an increased risk of developing dementia, even up to 20 years after use. This group includes many antidepressants, urological medications, and drugs used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms. Some medications, such as Haldol (haloperidol), Thorazine (chlorpromazine), and Reglan (metoclopramide), which are often used to treat nausea, can cause symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease but do not actually cause the condition. Additionally, the anti-seizure medication Depakene (valproic acid) may lead to Parkinsonism features, especially severe tremors.

Dairy Products

Drinking milk and consumption of dairy products may increase one’s risk of PD, independent of calcium intake²⁰, particularly in men²¹. Exposure to dopaminergic neurotoxins—such as certain pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that can be found in some dairy products—may elevate the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Research suggests that these environmental toxins can interfere with dopamine-producing neurons, potentially contributing to the onset and progression of PD²².

Low Uric Acid Levels

Early research indicates that people who consume high amounts of dairy products often have lower serum uric acid levels²³. Studies have found that serum urate and uric acid levels are inversely associated with both the risk and progression of Parkinson’s disease—meaning that lower uric acid levels may be linked to a higher risk of developing PD and potentially longer disease duration²⁴. The neuroprotective effects of serum urate may be limited to men²⁵ since the same is not observed in women²⁶.

Alcohol Consumption

Recent research indicates that consuming low to moderate amounts of alcohol or beer may be linked to a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease²⁷. In contrast, higher intake of liquor appears to increase both the risk and the likelihood of earlier onset of PD²⁸. Certain compounds found in red wine, such as resveratrol and quercetin, have also been studied for their potential neuroprotective properties, which may help protect against Parkinson’s disease.

Genetic Factors

Genetic mutations can cause Parkinson’s, including mutations to alpha-synuclein, or the PRKN (parkin) gene involved in mitochondria maintenance²⁹, or the LRRK2 gene linked to late-onset Parkinson’s³⁰ that is associated with the most common inherited form of the condition.

Hormonal Imbalances

These and other medical conditions³¹ may affect cognitive health and increase inflammation.

Homocysteine

High levels of plasma homocysteine are linked to cognitive function in PD, which is further exacerbated by treatment with levodopa (L-dopa)³². Furthermore, high homocysteine levels are linked to increased motor dysfunction in men and increased cognitive impairment in women³³.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is identified by loss of consciousness and/or memory loss. Trauma to the head, as evidenced by boxers, football players, and people who’ve been in an accident, may slightly increase risk of, or may hasten or trigger PD onset. A study of more than 350,000 vets, half of whom had some level of TBI, concluded that mild TBI increases risk by 56%, and moderate to severe TBI increases risk by 83%³⁴.

Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a filtering mechanism of the capillaries that carry blood and essential nutrients to the brain and spinal cord tissue. It prevents the passage of toxins and pathogens. The compromised BBB can contribute to brain disease and neuron cell death.

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts cognitive abilities, movement, behavior, and mood. The condition is defined by the accumulation of Lewy bodies—abnormal protein deposits—in the brain. LBD is recognized as the second most prevalent form of progressive dementia, following Alzheimer’s disease.

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive brain disorder that affects thinking, movement, behavior, and mood. It’s characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies, which are abnormal protein deposits in the brain. LBD is the second most common type of progressive dementia, after Alzheimer’s disease.

Lewy Body Effects on Vision

Lewy body dementia (LBD) frequently causes visual problems, including hallucinations, difficulties with visual perception, and changes in eye movement and focusing.

Parkinson’s disease can cause various vision problems, including double vision, dry eyes, and difficulties with focusing, color perception, and eye movements. These vision issues can stem from the disease’s impact on the nerves and muscles controlling the eyes, as well as potential side effects of medications used to treat Parkinson’s.

Diseases and Conditions That Can Mimic Parkinson’s Disease

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

MSA is a group of slowly progressive disorders impacting both the central and autonomic nervous systems.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

This neurodegenerative condition is marked by the presence of Lewy bodies—abnormal protein deposits—throughout the brain, similar to those seen in Parkinson’s disease. Lewy bodies are also found in some individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)

PSP is a rare disorder that leads to difficulties with balance and gait due to gradual degeneration of brain stem cells.

Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD)

CBD involves the progressive atrophy of multiple brain regions, including the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. Symptoms may initially affect one side of the body but typically progress to both sides. Common features include rigidity, impaired balance, and coordination problems, closely resembling those seen in PD.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamins B1, B6, B12, D, E, as well as iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc, can produce symptoms that mimic Parkinson’s disease.

Leaky Gut Syndrome and Gut Microbiota Imbalances

Disruptions in gut health, including leaky gut syndrome and changes in gut microbiota, can not only imitate Parkinson’s symptoms but are now recognized as important factors in the development, progression, and treatment of various neuropsychiatric disorders—including PD³⁵.

Suggested Supplements

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Whole Food Organic Superfood Multi-Vitamin 120 Vcaps

Nitric Oxide Supplement – helps promote increased oxygen through the body and eyes.

Dr. Grossman’s ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – focuses on Liver (meridian) support

Dr. Grossman’s Retinal Support (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – focuses on Kidney and Spleen (meridian) Support 

H2 Elite Molecular Hydrogen 60 tabs

NMN Wonderfeel Capsul 60 vegcaps

Brain and Memory Power Boost 120 caps

Cognirev Extra Strength 2 oz Oral Spray

Packages

Brain and Memory Support Package 1

Dr. Grossman’s Vision Wellness Package (2-month supply)

Dr. Grossman’s Whole Food Combo 2-Month Special

Recommended Books

Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing

Natural Brain Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Other Related Diseases Naturally

Natural Parkinson’s Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Managing Parkinson’s