Caffeine may ease Parkinson's symptoms, suggests research

Caffeine consumption may help control movement in people suffering from Parkinson's, according to new research.

Consumption of caffeine could reduce the symptoms of Parkinson disease by aiding control of movement, say the researchers.

The study published in Neurology investigated the effects of caffeine on Parkinson disease symptoms, noting that whilst epidemiologic studies have consistently linked caffeine consumption to a lower risk of the disease, research into the symptomatic effects of caffeine in Parkinsons have not been adequately evaluated.

"This is one of the first studies to show the benefits of caffeine on motor impairment in people who have Parkinson's disease," said Dr Ronald Postuma, lead author of the study.

"Research has already shown that people who drink coffee have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, but until now no study had looked at the immediate clinical implications of this finding," said the lead researcher, who is based at McGill University, Canada.

This is one of the first studies in humans to show that caffeine can help with movement symptoms for people who already have the disease."

Postuma noted that the results of the study open the door to potential new therapies for the symptoms of Parkinsons. Wake-up call?

Caffeine is the most widely used stimulant in the world. The compound acts on the central nervous system and cardiovascular system by temporarily decreasing tiredness and increasing alertness.

Postuma noted that sleepiness is commonly associated with Parkinson's disease: "We wanted to discover how caffeine could impact sleepiness as well as the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as slowness of movement, muscle stiffness, shaking and loss of balance."

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Caffeine may ease Parkinson's symptoms, suggests research