Parkinson's disease as a lipid raft disorder (raftopathy): a unifying hypothesis

This preprint proposes a unifying hypothesis that Parkinson’s disease representsa disorder of lipid raft dysfunction (“raftopathy”) rather than a condition initiatedprimarily by dopaminergic neuron loss. The framework integrates motor and non-motorsymptoms, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, and multisystem involvement throughearly disruption of membrane microdomains enriched in GM1 ganglioside andplasmalogens. The article further presents proof-of-concept clinical observations suggesting thatplasmalogen omega-9 supplementation, selected for its membrane-stabilizingproperties and safety, may influence symptoms refractory to conventionaldopaminergic therapy. These observations are exploratory and intended to supporthypothesis generation rather than therapeutic claims. By shifting focus from neuron-centric degeneration to membrane biology andreceptor organization, this work aims to stimulate new directions in Parkinson’sdisease research and therapeutic strategy development.