The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee highlights the latest research on coffee, caffeine and Parkinson’s Disease

To mark World Parkinson’s Day, the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee has produced a round-up of the latest research on Parkinson’s Disease, coffee and caffeine on its Coffee and Health website. The research highlights that caffeine consumption through coffee may reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease and that it may also help to improve symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease sufferers, particularly motor symptoms.

Key research highlights include:

• Caffeine consumption is associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease
• The effect in women, particularly those taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), was not as significant as that seen in men1.
• There is a dose-response relationship between caffeine intake and Parkinson’s Disease risk
• The maximum benefit was suggested to be at a level of coffee consumption of three cups per day2
• Caffeine consumption in Parkinson’s Disease patients showed an overall improvement in symptoms
• Caffeine was specifically associated with an improvement in motor symptoms, but had only a small effect on daytime sleepiness3

In Europe, almost 1.2 million people are estimated to have Parkinson’s Disease, with about 75,000 new cases diagnosed every year4. The conclusion, from these studies and the existing body of evidence, suggests a preventative role of coffee and caffeine consumption in the development of Parkinson’s Disease, with research suggesting that coffee consumption may reduce, or delay, the development of Parkinson’s Disease.

Further information about coffee, caffeine and Parkinson’s Disease can be found on the Coffee and Health website.