A recent review has confirmed the findings of previous studies linking cigarette smoking and coffee drinking with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. Analysis of more than 60 studies revealed that current smokers were roughly 60% less likely to develop the neurodegenerative condition, and coffee drinkers had a 30% lower risk of developing the disease. However, Dr Miguel A. Hernan from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and colleagues stress that the results do not show that smoking or drinking coffee will prevent the disease, and that any possible benefits of smoking “would be overwhelmed by its effects on cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease, and overall mortality.” Instead, the authors hope that the findings will help scientists to further their understanding of Parkinson’s, and therefore help in the development of methods to prevent or treat the disease.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Annals of Neurology 2002; 52:261-262, 276-284
