NEW research published highlights a potential link between anti-inflammatory treatments and a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in patients with autoimmune disorders. The study underscores the role of systemic inflammation in the development of PD and provides critical insights for healthcare professionals managing autoimmune diseases.
Using data from the Komodo Health claims database (2014–2022), the retrospective cohort study evaluated over 2 million patients with autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis. Researchers focused on two groups: those exposed to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), such as anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) and anti-interleukin-17 (anti-IL-17) therapies, and those without such exposure.
The findings are compelling. Patients treated with anti-TNF or anti-IL-17 therapies had a significantly lower PD incidence compared to those not receiving these therapies. Adjusted analyses revealed an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.74–0.80, p < 0.0001), suggesting a 23% reduction in PD risk for those on bDMARDs. Notably, anti-IL-17 therapy demonstrated a particularly strong effect, with an IRR of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.52–0.80, p < 0.001). These results align with growing evidence of shared mechanisms between PD and autoimmune diseases, such as inflammation-driven neuronal damage. The study’s authors emphasize the importance of targeting systemic inflammation in patients with autoimmune diseases, not only for managing primary conditions but also for reducing long-term neurodegenerative risks. For healthcare professionals, this research underscores the potential of immunosuppressive therapies as a dual-benefit approach in certain autoimmune patients. While more studies are needed to confirm causality and explore mechanisms, the findings offer a new perspective on the role of inflammation in Parkinson’s disease. Reference: Potashman M et al. The impact of anti-inflammatory therapy on Parkinson's disease incidence: A retrospective cohort study. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2025;130:107194. Anaya Malik | AMJ
