Caffeine Level In Blood May Help Diagnose Parkinson’s Disease

A recent study showed that people with lower levels of caffeine in the blood are more likely to have Parkinson’s Disease – even if they drink the same amount of coffee.

These are interesting findings and in line with previous studies, as one of the authors of the study explains: “Previous studies have shown a link between caffeine and a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, but we haven’t known much about how caffeine metabolizes within the people with the disease.”

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by rigidity, tremor, postural instability, and slowness of movement. It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Very often the changes in movement are very discreet and therefore an early diagnosis is often difficult. The disease commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.

Although Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, medications may markedly improve the symptoms.

Especially early stages of Parkinson’s are difficult to diagnose. If caffeine levels in the blood could show to be a reliable test for early Parkinson’s, it could become an important tool in the diagnostic process.

The treatment outcome is better the sooner the therapy starts. Therefore, early detection plays an important role.

The full study can be found here