Caffeine alleviates symptoms of Parkinson's disease
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Caffeine acts on people with Parkinson's disease not at all like the healthy. The researchers found that it helps reduce the severity of the tremor and regains the ability to move normally.
Ronald Postum, of McGill University, along with colleagues tested the effect of caffeine on 61 people with Parkinson's disease. Patients took a caffeine tablet at a concentration equivalent to about three cups of coffee every day for six weeks. There was also a control group.
As a result, only people in the main group showed significant improvements in motor function. Most of the problems associated with Parkinson's disease are caused by a lack of dopamine in certain areas of the brain. There, the cells that produce this compound are destroyed.
Adenosine receptors usually inhibit the production of dopamine. Caffeine blocks their work, thereby increasing the concentration of dopamine. At the moment, drugs are being developed that work in a similar way. But caffeine can be a cheaper alternative.
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