Last month a study was published investigating the impact of anti-inflammatory medications, such as TNF-alpha blockers and anti-IL-17 agents, on the incidence of Parkinson's disease. Given the potential role of inflammation in Parkinson's development, the study analyzed data from 2.1 million adults with autoimmune diseases, over 5% of whom used these medications.
Results indicated that those using anti-inflammatory drugs had a lower incidence of Parkinson's (0.66 cases per 100 patient-years) compared to the control group (0.95 cases per 100 patient-years). This finding remained consistent after adjusting for factors like age and gender, with no significant difference between the anti-TNF and anti-IL-17 groups.
The authors suggest that the risk reduction supports a link between inflammation and Parkinson's, aiding in future prevention and treatment strategies. However, they do not recommend using these medications preventively in individuals without autoimmune diseases, as further research is needed on their risks and benefits. The article is published in "Parkinsonism & Related Disorders," with some authors affiliated with companies developing treatments for neurological conditions.
The impact of anti-inflammatory therapy on Parkinson's disease incidence: A retrospective cohort study, Potashman, Michele et al., Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, Volume 130, 107194