More than 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the United States each year.
Symptoms include stiffness and difficulty with balance and coordination.
It is a progressive, neurodegenerative condition and, currently, there is no cure. Modern treatments can only help manage symptoms.
Scientists do not understand why some people develop Parkinson’s disease, but others do not. However, they have unpicked some of the neurological changes that take place.
One of the most critical changes appears to be a buildup of a specific type of misfolded protein in the brain. This is known to trigger cell death, which eventually leads to the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
The protein in question is alpha-synuclein, which aggregates and joins up with other compounds to create so-called Lewy bodies.
Alpha-synuclein can pass from neuron to neuron, spreading damage across different regions of the brain.
Parkinson’s and coffee
Over the years, studies have suggested that coffee might help protect against Parkinson’s disease.
Although caffeine appears to play a part in this, other molecules might be involved in the fight, too. In some studies, for instance, de-caffeinated coffee also offered protection against neurodegeneration in a model of Parkinson’s disease.
Coffee contains hundreds of compounds that could potentially interact with the chemistry of the body.
On the search for coffee components that might help slow Parkinson’s progression, researchers recently focused on a compound called eicosanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide (EHT).
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
