Meth users face substantially higher risk for getting Parkinson's disease

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 16-Dec-2014

Contact: Phil Sahm
University of Utah Health Sciences
Meth users face substantially higher risk for getting Parkinson's disease

(SALT LAKE CITY)--In addition to incurring serious dental problems, memory loss and other physical and mental issues, methamphetamine users are three times more at risk for getting Parkinson's disease than non-illicit drug users, new research from the University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare shows.

The researchers also observed that women who use methamphetamine may be nearly five times more likely to get Parkinson's disease compared to women who don't use drugs. Although findings suggest the risk in women may be higher than that in men, additional studies are needed to corroborate a gender difference.

•••••