A new study has highlighted a concerning trend: older adults with autism may be at a greater risk of developing movement disorders linked to Parkinson’s disease compared to others. This research, published in the journal Autism, analyzed claims data from Medicare and Medicaid, covering nearly 57 million Americans aged 45 and older between 2017 and 2019.
The findings show that individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as those with intellectual disabilities, are diagnosed with movement disorders, collectively known as parkinsonism, at significantly higher rates than those without autism. Parkinsonism includes various neurological issues that result in symptoms like tremors, stiffness, balance problems, and slowed movements, as explained by the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Previous studies hinted at a connection between autism and motor decline in later life, but it wasn’t clear if the movement issues were due to the autism itself or side effects from antipsychotic medications, which can mimic Parkinson’s symptoms. To clarify this, the researchers excluded individuals who were taking antipsychotics from their analysis. Even then, they discovered that the rate of Parkinson’s-related diagnoses in autistic individuals remained higher.
The research indicated that about 1.57% of the general population is diagnosed with parkinsonism. However, that figure rises to 3.83% among adults with autism and 4.86% for those with both autism and an intellectual disability. Greg Wallace, the lead author of the study and a professor at George Washington University, emphasized that this study is important because it shows that the increased incidence of parkinsonism in autistic individuals isn’t just due to the existing motor challenges faced throughout their lives.
This research is significant as it is the first to track the occurrence of new cases among older adults with autism over time. Wallace pointed out that it is crucial for healthcare providers to establish clear baselines of motor skills in adults and monitor these over time.
Dr. Lee Murray, a neurologist, added that this study supports previous findings that individuals with autism may have a heightened risk for Parkinson’s. He noted that the study carefully considered the effects of antipsychotic medications and showed that individuals with autism, especially those with intellectual disabilities, are more likely to develop Parkinson’s.
Despite these findings, Dr. Murray cautioned that autism manifests in various ways and not every individual with autism will have an increased risk for Parkinson’s. He advised that reviewing medication options with physicians could be beneficial, particularly concerning medications that might cause Parkinson-like symptoms.
The study does have limitations, as it relies heavily on billing records from Medicare and Medicaid, which can be prone to coding errors. Additionally, it focused only on individuals enrolled in public insurance, potentially overlooking others who might have different insurance coverage.
Experts urge that because autism can involve atypical movements, there is a risk that early signs of Parkinson’s may be overlooked or misdiagnosed, which could delay necessary treatment. Monitoring older individuals on the spectrum for movements associated with Parkinson’s could facilitate early intervention and better health outcomes.
In summary, this study raises important questions about the intersection of autism and Parkinson’s disease, highlighting a need for further research and careful monitoring to support affected individuals as they age.
