People who are on drugs to suppress their immune system are less likely to develop Parkinson's disease -- a neurological disorder characterised by tremors, slow movements, stiffness and difficulty walking, a new study claimed.
The results, published in the journal Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, showed that people with several types of autoimmune diseases, including ulcerative colitis were less likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's than the general population.
The investigators noted that many autoimmune diseases have one common thing, that is, they are treated with drugs that dampen immune activity.
"We've found that taking certain classes of immunosuppressant drugs reduces the risk of developing Parkinson's. One group of drugs in particular looks really promising and warrants further investigation to determine whether it can slow disease progression," said Brad Racette from Washington University-St. Louis in the US.
The study showed that people taking corticosteroids -- used for treating inflammatory diseases -- such as prednisone were 20 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's, while those on inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMDH)-- an enzyme -- inhibitors were about one-third less likely.
While, immunosuppresive drugs may keep Parkinson's at bay, it may ,however, increase the chances of developing infectious diseases and cancer.