In our previous newsletter, we discussed how autoimmune diseases may be the underlying cause of psychological disorders. As many as half of autoimmune disease patients struggle with their mental health.

Research suggests that although genetics plays a role in 30% of all cases of autoimmune disease, over twice as many cases–70%–are due to environmental factors such as infections, diet, and exposure to toxic substances.

Although autoimmune diseases are estimated to affect over 20 million Americans, there remains to be no cure. Current treatments tend to rely on immunosuppressants that indiscriminately shut down the immune system and can come with significant side effects.

Many systemic autoimmune diseases impact the nervous system. One of the most common neurological complications of autoimmune disease is peripheral neuropathy, which involves damage to the peripheral nervous system that connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

We've long known that our gut plays a role in autoimmunity. Previously, we looked at the connections between gut and brain inflammation, chronic fatigue, and rheumatoid arthritis.

September is Alopecia Awareness Month! Alopecia is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.

Autoinflammation is a distinct mechanism of diseases, recognized not only in rare monogenic disorders—disorders that are caused by a single gene mutation—but also in heterogeneous inflammatory conditions (Rose & Mackay).

Vitiligo is a genetic condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their color due to the death or dysfunction of melanin-producing cells.

Emmitt Henderson III was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus and Lupus Nephritis in 1995, but had symptoms going back to 1980.

As a heat wave sweeps through the nation, those with autoimmune diseases may be especially vulnerable.

There's been a lot of focus on the psychological and neurological impacts of autoimmune diseases.

One of the many challenges of having an autoimmune disease is the mental health struggles that often accompany the physical symptoms.

Many researchers spend years studying the biology of diseases without ever meeting a patient whose life is impacted by the disease or their research.

One of the most common conditions in our registry, Sjogren's disease is notorious for its lengthy diagnosis, with estimated averages of 3-5 years.

Last year, a study was published on CAR-T's success in the treating 5 lupus patients. This year, a new study reported success in adapting CAR-T therapy to treat patients with myasthenia gravis.

As of January 2023, an estimated 11% of Americans continue to experience post-COVID symptoms such as joint pain and brain fog, which are common autoimmune symptoms.

A new study has been published examining the incidence of autoimmune diseases in the UK from 2000 to 2019.

On April 12, the Director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health announced the creation of the NIH Office of Autoimmune Disease Research.

Autoimmune thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto’s disease, is the most common autoimmune disease in our registry.

In honor of Lupus Awareness Month, we will look at new studies published in the field of lupus research.