Influenza may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease

Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Harvard Health Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, study the risk of Parkinson's disease due to seasonal infection. A large study has found that the risk of Parkinson's disease increases:

- 90% for the diagnosis established 15 years after influenza infection;

- more than 70% for the diagnosis established 10 years after influenza infection.

This research is not conclusive, but it suggests potential long-term influenza effects. The researchers also believe that such a period of time (10-15 years) is a long preparation of the body for a neurological disorder, and is considered as a preclinical / prodromal phase. The scientists have used the data of 10,271 patients with Parkinson’s disease established over a 17-year period, and compared with those from the control group (51,355 people)

Source: Medscape