Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects the brain and causes issues like trembling, stiffness, and trouble with balance and coordination.
It usually starts slowly, but over time, it becomes more severe. People with Parkinson’s may find it harder to walk or talk as the disease progresses.
Antiepileptic drugs are medicines used to treat epilepsy and similar conditions by calming abnormal electrical activity in the brain that leads to seizures. Some commonly used antiepileptic drugs include carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and sodium valproate.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Queen Mary University of London looked at whether these drugs might be linked to Parkinson’s disease.
The team analyzed data from 1,433 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and compared them to 8,598 people without the condition. Using prescription records, they examined how often these individuals were prescribed antiepileptic drugs.
The study found a link between the use of antiepileptic drugs and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
This connection appeared to grow stronger as the number of prescriptions increased, and the risk was even higher for those taking multiple types of antiepileptic drugs.
The researchers described this as a “dose-response” relationship—meaning the risk went up with higher exposure to the drugs.
This research is significant because it’s the first time scientists have studied a wide range of antiepileptic drugs to see if they are associated with Parkinson’s disease. While the findings are important, they don’t prove that the drugs directly cause Parkinson’s disease.
Other factors could also be involved, and more research is needed to confirm the results and understand why this link exists.
If these findings are supported by further studies, they could impact how doctors decide which medications to prescribe.
For now, the researchers emphasize the need to explore the reasons behind this connection and to investigate whether there are safer alternatives for patients who need antiepileptic drugs.
For those concerned about Parkinson’s disease, there is ongoing research into ways to reduce the risk or manage the condition. For example, studies suggest that certain vitamins, like Vitamin E and Vitamin D, may offer benefits.
There’s also evidence that eating foods rich in flavonoids—found in fruits, vegetables, and tea—might help people with Parkinson’s live longer.
This study, led by Daniel Belete and his team, was published in JAMA Neurology. It provides valuable insights but also highlights the complexity of understanding how different medications might affect brain health.
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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