Caffeinated Beverages May Help Prevent Parkinson's Disease
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Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA, found that people with Parkinson's disease have lower caffeine levels in the blood. Their study compared people with Parkinson's who carry a genetic mutation that increases their risk of developing the disease and those who carry the same mutation but the disease did not manifest.
The study contained people with and without a mutation in the LRRK2 gene in both groups of the study.
LRRK2 Gene
The LRRK2 gene mutation is known to be the main factor contributing to the genetic development of Parkinson's disease; however, not all people with LRRK2 mutations go on to develop the disease.
The LRRK2 gene plays an important role in cellular metabolism and mitochondrial activity (providing energy to cells).
Their findings show that there is a greater difference in the blood caffeine levels of individuals with Parkinson's who have the genetic mutation, compared to those without.
Lead researcher, Dr. Grace Crotty, said that the results reveal the need to explore caffeine and caffeine-related therapies further. This could help lessen the chances of people who have this genetic mutation from developing Parkinson's.
Caffeine levels in the blood, if stable, could also be used as a biomarker to identify which people with this gene will develop the disease.
The study was published in the journal Neurology.
Caffeine and Parkinson's Disease
The scientists studied the blood plasma samples of 368 individuals enrolled in the LRRK2 Cohort Consortium, established in 2009 and funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
They divided the group into two, 188 individuals with Parkinson's, and the control group which included 180 people who did not have the disease but had a mutation in the LRRK2 gene.
After comparing the chemical profile from both groups, they found that all five chemicals that differ were caffeine-related.
The levels of these five chemicals were significantly lower among those with Parkinson's disease.
While there is an association between caffeine and Parkinson's disease, the researchers pointed out that these findings do not mean that caffeine consumption actually protects people against the disease.
There is a possibility that a genetic mutation in the LRRK2 gene predisposes a person to Parkinson's and makes them less inclined to drink coffee.
Crotty also notes that the study only focused on people at one time so it cannot determine whether caffeine offers any protective effect or affects the disease progression.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder affecting body movements. Symptoms may begin gradually with a barely noticeable tremor in the hand. Later on, it may progress to stiffness or slow movements.
There is no known cause for Parkinson's which makes its prevention a mystery. Although research shows that caffeine found in tea, coffee, and cola could reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's, there is still not enough evidence to suggest drinking caffeinated drinking for protection against this disease.
There is still no cure for Parkinson's disease, but certain medications can ease the symptoms.
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Oct 13, 2020 10:50 PM EDT
