Parkinson or a curable disease?

Some brain disorders mimic Parkinson. Autoimmune Encephalitis (AIE) may cause similar symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis. AIE is a group of rare conditions where the immune system attacks the brain, causing inflammation.

“About fifteen years ago, a new category of AIE was discovered,” says neurologist Dr. Maarten Titulaer (Erasmus MC). “We now know fifteen antibodies, each linked to different patterns: epilepsy, psychosis, movement disorders.”

There’s a suspicion that some diagnosed with parkinsonism actually suffer from AIE. “Little is known,” says Titulaer. “But early, accurate diagnosis can mean the difference between a nursing home and recovery.”

Thanks to donations to Erasmus Trustfonds, a study of 1,000 patients with Parkinson-like symptoms began. “We test blood and cerebrospinal fluid: how often do they carry antibodies? And if symptoms don’t fit Parkinson’s, can we discover a new antibody and disease?” Titulaer is optimistic: “Within a few years, we’ll know better when symptoms indicate encephalitis. The study is still early, but I’m hopeful!”