Research Confirms Celiac Disease Can Cause Brain Damage

New research out of the University of Sheffield has confirmed what neurologists and gastroenterologists have long debated – people living with celiac disease (CD) have a higher risk of suffering neurological damage, according to Medical Xpress.

“For the first time, the study offers some clarity on the fact that there does appear to be the risk of neurological damage for people living with CD, driven by their autoimmune response to gluten exposure,” Dr. Iain Croall, a research fellow from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, said in a statement. “Our independent UK Biobank participants with CD showed meaningful neurological and psychological deficits when compared with control participants.

“The data from the CD group of participants showed a significant reaction time deficit, compared to the control participants; alongside signs of anxiety, health-related unhappiness and depression.”

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive process of the small intestine, with sufferers experiencing an increased sensitivity to gluten. Celiac disease affects approximately 3 million Americans, with the only existing treatment being a 100% gluten-free diet. 

The researchers hope this study will help clinicians better tailor their care of CD patients who present any cognitive changes.