Autism linked to higher risk of Parkinson's-related disorders

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 18:09 · Archive

Older adults with autism are diagnosed with parkinsonism at more than double the rate of the general population, a study of 57 million Americans found.

A study of nearly 57 million Americans has found that older adults diagnosed with autism face significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease-related movement disorders. Researchers analysed Medicare and Medicaid claims data covering adults aged 45 and older between 2017 and 2019, published in the journal Autism.

Parkinsonism refers to neurological conditions characterised by movement symptoms including tremors, muscle rigidity, balance difficulties and slowed voluntary movement. The study found parkinsonism prevalence was roughly 1.57% in the general population control group. Among adults with autism alone it rose to 3.83%, to 4.32% for those with intellectual disability alone, and to 4.86% among individuals diagnosed with both autism and intellectual disability.

While earlier research suggested an overlap between autism and motor decline in later life, it was unclear whether these problems stemmed from the condition itself or from antipsychotic medications, which are known to trigger Parkinson's-like symptoms as a side effect. To test this, researchers excluded people taking antipsychotics from their analysis and still found higher rates of Parkinson's-related diagnoses in autistic and neurodivergent populations. Greg Wallace, lead author and a professor at George Washington University, said the findings suggest these cases represent genuine increased incidence rather than simply being a byproduct of lifelong motor challenges.

How it is being reported

• Common developmental condition linked to higher risk of Parkinson’s-related disordersOlder adults diagnosed with autism face a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease-related movement disorders compared to the general population, according to a large new study.New York Post · 30 Oct, 17:49
• Common developmental condition linked to higher risk of Parkinson's-related disordersOlder adults with autism were diagnosed with parkinsonism at more than double the rate of the general population, a study of 57 million Americans found.Fox News · 30 Oct, 11:00

In this story: George Washington University · Greg Wallace · Parkinson's Foundation

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