Many studies have shown that certain substances can slow down the onset of PD. However , the effect of these substances on PD symptoms after diagnosis is often not fully examined.
For instance, recent findings suggest that smoking, coffee consumption, and aspirin intake may play a role in modifying the age at which PD develops. While there is hope for improvements in PD symptoms, it is important to consider that these improvements may not always occur.
In one particular study however, the objective was to explore the association between coffee drinking, aspirin intake, smoking, and motor and non-motor symptoms in a group of American patients with PD. The key findings of this study are as follows:
- Only coffee drinkers had fewer problems with swallowing compared to non-coffee drinkers. However, the dosage and duration of coffee intake were not found to be associated with motor or non-motor symptoms.
- On the other hand, the study revealed that aspirin intake was linked to specific motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients. These symptoms included tremors, difficulties getting up, light-headedness, and problems with memory. This suggests that aspirin use may have an impact on the severity of these symptoms in PD.
- Additionally, the study found a direct association between smoking and various symptoms in PD patients. Smokers had more problems with drooling, swallowing, freezing, unexplained pains, memory problems, and feelings of sadness. These findings indicate that smoking may worsen both motor and non-motor symptoms in PD.
Coffee, smoking and aspirin are associated with age at onset in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
Lifestyle factors and clinical severity of Parkinson’s disease