The COVID-19 pandemic may be over, but our immune systems are still feeling the impact. After years of battling constant viral threats, from COVID-19 to seasonal flu and other infections, our body’s defense system is exhausted. Many people continue to experience lingering inflammation, frequent illnesses, and slower recovery times. This extended state of immune stress has compromised us further to chronic illness, including autoimmune diseases and even neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. So why is our immune system still in trouble? And how do we give it its power back? Understanding immune exhaustion is the beginning of rebuilding our body's natural immunity.

A weakened immune system makes people more susceptible to disease, mental illnesses, and even sleep disorders. Now, new research indicates that immune system depletion may play an important role in the onset of Parkinson's disease, a degenerative neurologic disorder that compromises movement and cognition.

Role of Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease

Dysfunctional immune response is a leading cause of long-standing inflammation within the body, that has been found to contribute towards a multitude of conditions, including cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

As people age, their immune system naturally becomes less effective. This deterioration, referred to as immune exhaustion, may be a key contributor to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Rebecca Wallings, a Parkinson’s Foundation Launch Award grant recipient and senior postdoctoral fellow at the University of Florida, believes that an accumulation of exhausted immune cells could be driving neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s patients.

How a Tired Immune System Might Affect Parkinson's?

Parkinson's disease is most commonly linked with the degeneration and loss of dopaminergic neurons—motor nerve cells that produce dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter for movement. While researchers have long suspected inflammation is involved in this neurodegeneration, the mechanisms are not yet well understood.

Wallings' study is on immune cell exhaustion, a process by which aging immune cells fail to control immune responses effectively. Her research indicates that instead of dampening inflammation in Parkinson's patients, attempts should be made to rejuvenate the immune system to regain its functionality.

Energy Deficiency in Immune Cells

One of the major findings of Wallings' work is the function of mitochondrial impairment in immune cell exhaustion. Mitochondria are commonly called the powerhouses of cells, as they are vital for generating energy. As mitochondria age and become inefficient, immune cells fail to function well, potentially accelerating neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.

Wallings has found that mutations in the LRRK2 gene, a recognized genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease, are linked with defective mitochondrial function and immune cell exhaustion. Her current work includes testing various therapeutic approaches to restore mitochondrial function in immune cells with the potential to enhance the immune system and potentially prevent or treat Parkinson's disease.

Will Rejuvenating the Immune System Help in Treatment?

For decades, the standard practice in treating Parkinson's has been to suppress brain inflammation. Yet Wallings' work indicates that instead of slowing down immune responses, restoring the immune system could be a more successful strategy. By addressing mitochondrial impairment and immune resilience, researchers can potentially reverse or slow down Parkinson's disease.

Wallings is now looking into how to rejuvenate immune cells by fixing mitochondria. She studies immune cells from patients with Parkinson's as well as from healthy subjects and performs experiments on animal models to determine if rejuvenation of the immune system could result in improved disease outcomes.

Lifestyle Factors That May Affect Parkinson's Risk

While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, some lifestyle adjustments may decrease the chances of developing the illness. Since neurodegenerative diseases are associated with chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction, developing habits that enhance immune function might prove helpful.

Diet: There is evidence to suggest that eating in accordance with the Mediterranean or MIND diets, both high in antioxidants, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory foods, can encourage brain wellness and reduce Parkinson's risk.

Avoiding Dangerous Substances: Restricting alcohol and nicotine use can maintain a robust immune system and suppress inflammation.

Reducing Stress: Chronic stress weakens immune function, so methods such as meditation, exercise, and sufficient sleep can lead to improved overall well-being.

You may not smoke, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight and have no known medical condition. But could the air you breathe still increase your risk of stroke?

The answer is yes. Air pollution affects more than the lungs; it is associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke. PM2.5 fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger biological responses affecting blood vessels throughout the body.

How can polluted air affect the brain?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel ruptures.

PM2.5 exposure may contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress and dysfunction of the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels. It may also influence platelet activation and normal blood-clotting mechanisms, potentially favouring thrombosis.

Over time, prolonged exposure may contribute to atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaques inside arteries. If a plaque ruptures and a clot blocks an artery supplying the brain, an ischaemic stroke can occur. Air pollution may also affect blood pressure and cardiovascular function.

However, exposure does not inevitably cause a clot or stroke. It is one of several factors that may influence an individual's risk.

Also read: Breathe Easy This Diwali: Early Warning Signs & Precautions to Protect Children & Senior Citizens

Can apparently healthy people also be affected?

Yes. Having no diagnosed hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease does not eliminate pollution-associated stroke risk.

A systematic review published in the British Medical Journal in 2015 found that a 10 µg/m³ increase in short-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with approximately a 1.1% relative increase in stroke admissions or mortality. This is a population-level association, not an individual's absolute risk or proof of causation in a particular patient.

Who needs particular attention?

Older adults and people with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation or a previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) warrant particular attention because their baseline vascular risk is high.

Five practical steps to reduce exposure

• Check the AQI: Monitor air-quality readings, particularly during periods of severe pollution.
• Modify outdoor activity: Reduce prolonged or strenuous exercise when air quality is poor; choose cleaner environments or indoor exercise.
• Use appropriate protection: A well-fitting N95 mask can reduce inhalation of fine particles when outdoor exposure is unavoidable.
• Improve indoor air: Consider appropriately sized HEPA filtration and minimise tobacco smoke and other combustion-related pollution.
• Manage vascular risk: Monitor blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol when appropriate, and follow prescribed treatment.

Do not start aspirin or anticoagulants solely because pollution levels are high. These medicines carry risks and should be used only when clinically indicated under medical supervision.

Individual precautions help, but sustained improvements require cleaner transport, effective industrial emission controls and prevention of waste burning.

Stroke prevention must address established medical risk factors as well as avoidable environmental exposures. The air may look clear, but that does not guarantee it is clean. Protecting the air, we breathe is also an investment in the health of our brains.

By Dr. Ashish Susvirkar, Senior Neurologist and Movement Disorders Specialist, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara

Patient developed severe malaria affecting his platelets, liver, kidneys and lungs, with the lung injury progressing to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and requiring ventilator support.

A 45-year-old motorman developed life-threatening complications after malaria progressed to multi-organ failure, affecting his lungs, liver and kidneys and causing a significant drop in platelet count and blood pressure.

His lung function deteriorated severely, leading to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a serious condition in which the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen to the body. He required ventilator support with high levels of oxygen and pressure to help him breathe.

Malaria Progresses To Multi-Organ Failure

The patient was admitted in a severely ill condition after being diagnosed with malaria. By the time he reached the hospital, the infection had affected multiple organ systems.

His platelet count was low, while his liver and kidneys were affected. The most critical complication was severe lung involvement. The patient developed ARDS, resulting in significant difficulty in maintaining adequate oxygen levels and requiring mechanical ventilation. His blood pressure had also dropped significantly, necessitating medicines to support his circulation.

Also read: NHS Data Shows 12% Increase In Kidney Cancer In People Under 50: Experts Flag Overlooked Signs

Severe Lung Injury Requires Ventilator Support

Malaria can sometimes become severe and affect multiple organs. In this patient, the lungs were particularly badly affected and he developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, or ARDS.

In ARDS, the lungs become severely inflamed and are unable to transfer sufficient oxygen into the bloodstream. He therefore required ventilator support, including higher oxygen and controlled pressure to help maintain adequate oxygenation. At the same time, we had to support his blood pressure and closely monitor his liver and kidney function.

Intensive Treatment Helps Patient Recover Without Dialysis

The patient was treated with appropriate anti-malarial therapy along with intensive supportive care. He was placed on ventilator support because of severe respiratory failure and was given medicines to maintain his blood pressure. His fluid status was carefully managed, while his urine output and kidney function were closely monitored.

Despite the initial kidney involvement, his urine output gradually improved and he did not require dialysis. Over the next several days, his lung function also began to improve. As his oxygenation and overall condition stabilised, the medical team was able to gradually reduce the level of ventilator support and eventually take him off the ventilator.

After approximately 7–8 days of intensive treatment and monitoring, the patient showed significant clinical improvement. He was successfully weaned off ventilator support, regained his strength and was able to walk before being discharged from the hospital.

The patient came in a very critical condition, with the lungs, liver and kidneys affected and blood pressure requiring support. The first few days were particularly important because we had to support several organ systems simultaneously while treating the malaria. His urine output improved without the need for dialysis, and his respiratory status gradually recovered. Within about a week, he was off the ventilator and eventually walked home.

When Can Malaria Become Life-Threatening?

The case highlights that malaria can, in some patients, progress beyond fever and routine symptoms and cause severe complications involving multiple organs. Lung involvement can be particularly serious, and conditions such as ARDS may require prolonged respiratory support in an intensive care setting.

Doctors advise people with malaria to seek timely medical attention, particularly if fever is accompanied by breathing difficulty, reduced urine output, unusual drowsiness, persistent vomiting, bleeding, severe weakness or low blood pressure. Early recognition of complications and appropriate supportive care can be critical in preventing further deterioration.

Diwali is a time of celebration, but the increase in air pollution caused by firecrackers can pose serious health risks, particularly for children and senior citizens. Exposure to smoke, harmful gases and fine particulate matter can irritate the respiratory system, worsen existing health conditions and put additional strain on the heart. Families must recognise early warning signs and take timely precautions to ensure everyone celebrates safely.

Who Is Vulnerable During Severe Pollution Days?

Also read: Delhi Becomes World's Most Polluted City Ahead Of Diwali, Says Swiss Agency: Experts Recommend Precautions

Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs are still developing and they breathe faster than adults. Exposure to polluted air can cause coughing, sneezing, throat irritation, red or watery eyes and wheezing. Parents should watch for signs such as persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness during physical activity or an increase in asthma symptoms. Even children who do not directly burst crackers can experience these effects through second-hand exposure to firecracker smoke.

Senior citizens, especially those living with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes or heart disease, also face increased risks. Warning signs include worsening breathlessness, persistent cough, chest discomfort, unusual fatigue, dizziness and disturbed sleep. Pollution exposure can aggravate existing respiratory conditions and increase cardiovascular stress. Sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or confusion should never be ignored and require immediate medical attention.

How To Stay Safe?

Also read: With Delhi AQI Nearing 400, Pollution & Flu Loom Ahead Of Diwali: What Happens When Both Hit Your Lungs?

A few simple precautions can significantly reduce exposure. Families should keep children and elderly members away from areas where firecrackers are being burst, particularly during peak evening hours. Keeping windows and doors closed when outdoor pollution levels are high can help limit smoke entering the house. Avoid burning incense sticks, dhoop and other materials indoors, as these can further deteriorate indoor air quality.

If stepping outdoors is unavoidable, adults can use a well-fitted N95 mask to reduce exposure to fine particulate matter. Children should be supervised and protected from smoky environments. Individuals with asthma or COPD must continue their prescribed medication and keep their inhalers readily accessible. Families should also avoid outdoor walks and strenuous activities the morning after Diwali if pollution levels remain high.

Beyond air pollution, families must remain alert to firecracker-related injuries. In case of burns, hold the affected area under cool running water for 20 minutes and cover it loosely with a clean cloth. Avoid applying ice, toothpaste or butter. Eye injuries and accidental ingestion of harmful substances require immediate medical evaluation.

Recognising early symptoms, limiting smoke exposure and seeking timely medical care can prevent avoidable complications. This Diwali, prioritise health and safety alongside celebrations. After all, a healthy family is the greatest reason to celebrate.

By Dr Nakul Sayta, Emergency Physician, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara