Can Covid-19 increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s?

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Author: Caithlin NgPublished: 21 May 2020

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Parkinson’s could be caused or modulated by infections like Covid-19, a new study suggests – though more evidence is needed to draw a definitive conclusion.

As part of the study, researchers from the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil, drew on previous findings to support their hypothesis. For example, studies in mice have found that infection with some strains of influenza could cause neural changes similar to those in Parkinson’s.

Furthermore, people born during or around the 1918 influenza pandemic were over twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s than those born in the decades before or after.

Patrik Brundin, co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, said that while it’s “too early to know what the long-term consequences of Covid-19 will be on the brain, the clinical psychiatry and neurology research communities definitely need to be vigilant in monitoring how those who recover from moderate and severe Covid-19 fare in the future.”

To read more on this topic click here.

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research please visit the EPDA website.

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Can Covid-19 increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s?

News

Author: Caithlin NgPublished: 21 May 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Special reports

Lewy body dementia: “The worst of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s together”

Episodes

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Europe

UK Prime Minister hosts reception to mark 200 years since the discovery of Parkinson’s

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Is there a link between Parkinson’s disease and blood vessel dysfunction?

New swab test may help with Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

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Can Covid-19 increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s?

News

Author: Caithlin NgPublished: 21 May 2020

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Special reports

Lewy body dementia: “The worst of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s together”

Episodes

Podcast: Freezing, moving and cueing – understanding gait and Parkinson’s disease

Europe

UK Prime Minister hosts reception to mark 200 years since the discovery of Parkinson’s

Ireland survey aims to uncover link between pesticides and Parkinson’s disease

Is there a link between Parkinson’s disease and blood vessel dysfunction?

New swab test may help with Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

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