When I first joined this list about two years ago there was some discussion (and an informal survey) about the coincidence of arthritis and PD. I don't remember any conclusions. I personally have mild arthritis, Hashimoto's Syndrome (my immune system is attacking my thyroid) and PD. I cannot believe that PD is caused directly by an auto-immune disorder since the immune system does not operate in the brain. Perhaps these disorders and PD have a common root cause. Ron Reiner (50/2) At 11:05 PM 1/2/98 +0100, you wrote: >Dear Listmembers! > >I am also on SS-L (sjogren's syndrom list), and in my introduction I >wrote that we have both PD and Sjogren's syndrom in our family. Do any >of you know something about any combination/connections between the two >diseases? >Also Carol from Illinnois is interested in the same subject and send me >a letter. please read the letter. I have her E-mail address if you want >to get in contact with her, she would love to her from you! Or I have >promised I will forward any information to her. > >Carol, in snowy Illinois, wrote: >"I am on the Sjogren's Syndrome(SS) list... I read your email about >having SS and Parkinsons Disease.. My mother, who died in 1995 at age >81, had Sjogren's, Parkinsons, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, (which is >inflammation of all the arteries in the head and shoulders) >Fibromyalgia, and Bleritis (not sure of the spelling, but it is when the >eyes blink rapidly and very often), plus she had Altopica, which is >extensive hair loss... I >am a 57 yr old female, I got Fibromyalgia in 1981, and have had the >Sjogrens symptoms for years but was only diagnosed about a year ago.I >now have also got Polymyalgia Rheumatica too... So, I am just waiting >for the Parkinsons Disease mom had too.. Mom had a cousin with >parkinsons too... He is about 67 yrs. old now and doing pretty good so >far.. I am convinced that the auto immune disorders all run together >called Multiple auto immune disorders... My doctor has heard of that >too..I am not sure if Parkinsons is in that catagory, but it seems >ironic that mom had all she had, plus Parkinsons.. If I get it, then I >will be sure.. I pray I don't.. I have enough to keep me busy now.. Have >you ask that question on the Parkinsons list? Let me know if you find >anything out about the connection...I am tired a lot, have many >aches and pains, dry mouth, nose, eyes, and skin.. I have flares with >the Fibro when the weather changes worst of all. It is snowy and cold >here so that is my worst times...Carol." > >>From Hallvard in Copenhagen. > >