Caffeine effects on PD in Men vs. Women

Parkinson’s Disease is a disease involving the degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra. Many of these neurons contain the neurotransmitter dopamine. The degeneration of these neurons decreases the level of dopamine leading to an imbalance in the way muscles work and problems with movement.

Cures for Parkinson’s are idiopathic, however, studies have found treatments to the disease. One such treatment in reducing the symptoms of (PD) is caffeine intake. Caffeine is known as an antagonist to adenosine receptors which causes an increase in dopamine levels in the brain. There have been many large studies proving that caffeine intake does, in fact, reduce the risk of (PD) in men, however, in women it is questionable. One reason for the difference in effects of caffeine is the hormonal factor. Interesting discoveries were made from many studies: 1) Postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) who also drank five cups of coffee or more per day showed an increased susceptibility in developing PD 2) Women taking HRT and drank small amounts of coffee per day did not appear at risk to PD 3) And according to Dr. Ascherio, women not taking HRT who also drank less than half a cup of coffee per day had a PD risk similar to that of men. Interestingly, the combination of coffee and hormones shows a drastic increase in risk of PD development in women. Yet, each factor individually is proven to protect against PD. Hmmm!!!

Researchers suggest that estrogen levels in women have “neuroprotective effects in PD.” Dr. Schwarzschild believes that caffeine and estrogen are competing in the body, as a result, canceling each other’s effect. Another theory of his is that estrogen is interfering with the break down of caffeine in the body.