Parkinson’s disease is a long-term brain disorder that affects movement and coordination. It causes symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and balance problems, which get worse over time.
While the exact cause of Parkinson’s is still unknown, scientists are studying different factors that might contribute to its development. One possible factor is the use of antiepileptic drugs, which are commonly prescribed for seizures.
A recent study from Queen Mary University of London looked at whether these drugs could be linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s. The research, published in JAMA Neurology, analyzed data from over 1,400 people with Parkinson’s and compared them to nearly 8,600 people without the disease. The goal was to see if taking antiepileptic drugs was associated with developing Parkinson’s later in life.
The researchers examined prescription records to see how often people had been given drugs like carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and sodium valproate.
They found that people who had been prescribed these drugs more frequently, or who took multiple types, had a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s. This suggests that the more exposure a person had to these drugs, the greater their chances of developing the disease.
This is the first study to examine a wide range of antiepileptic drugs and their possible connection to Parkinson’s.
While the results are important, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Scientists are still unsure whether the drugs themselves contribute to Parkinson’s, or whether other factors—such as the medical conditions requiring these drugs—play a role.
Despite these findings, antiepileptic drugs remain crucial for people with epilepsy and seizure disorders. For many, these medications are necessary for managing their condition, and their benefits often outweigh any potential risks.
However, this study highlights the importance of doctors carefully considering both the risks and benefits when prescribing these drugs.
Understanding the causes of Parkinson’s is an ongoing challenge, and this research is an important step toward uncovering possible risk factors. More studies are needed to confirm these results and explore why this link may exist.
In the meantime, patients and healthcare providers should stay informed about new research while ensuring that people who need these medications continue to receive the best possible treatment.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies that Vitamin B may slow down cognitive decline, and Mediterranean diet could help lower risk of Parkinson’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing Plant-based diets could protect cognitive health from air pollution.
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