Caffeine as a Symptomatic Treatment for Parkinson Disease?

A randomized trial shows no benefit in reducing motor symptoms of PD in patients already on stable dopaminergic therapy.

In a small previous study, researchers identified an intriguing possibility that caffeine could treat tremor and possibly other motor symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD). They have now followed up with a multicenter, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial, focusing on patients who were on stable dopaminergic therapy and within 8 years after diagnosis. They randomized participants to 200 mg of caffeine twice a day (n=60) versus placebo (n=61). The primary outcome was a change at 6 months in the Movement Disorder Society–sponsored Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, while in the “on” medication state.

The treatment groups had no differences in the primary outcome, adverse events, or quality of life. However, there was mild worsening of …

Reviewing Author

Michael S. Okun, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America

Speaker’s BureauMedscape/WebMD CME, Movement Disorders Society CME, American Academy of Neurology CME

RoyaltiesBooks4Patients; Demos; Cambridge; Taylor and Francis; Robert Rose; Public Affairs

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; Parkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America; University of Florida Foundation

Editorial BoardsTremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements; JAMA Neurology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesParkinson’s Foundation (Medical Advisor)