How might autoimmunity affect our brain?

Patients with autoimmune diseases are familiar with the impact on our neurological system and brain, leading to symptoms like brain fog, neuropathy, and tremors. As more evidence comes to light of autoimmunity's role in diseases like Alzheimer's, we explore its potential connection to neurodivergent conditions like autism (as requested by our registrant).

There has been increasing evidence of autoimmune phenomena in patients with autism, with antibodies directed against the fetal brain detected in some mothers of children with autism. Another study found that parents with autoimmune diseases are more likely to have children with autism. Patients with autism are also more likely to suffer from immune-mediated comorbidities, including gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Most recently, researchers found that patients diagnosed with autism have an increased risk of also having autoimmune alopecia:

“patients with ASD had an independently higher risk of AA than individuals without ASD. Considering the pathogenesis of AA, this association may be attributed to the links among autoimmunity, immune dysregulation, and genetic background.”

Exploring these connections can help us better understand the link between autoimmunity, genetics, and potential comorbidities. To support our effort to better understand autoimmune diseases through data and statistics, please join our registry or share it with a friend who has an autoimmune condition. Don't forget to also join our Mother's Day Fundraising raffle for a chance to win a $150 gift card at Massage Envy.