may be helpful for seniors with Parkinson’s disease. A randomized controlled trial reported that individuals who consumed the equivalent of four cups of coffee per day had significant increases in their ability to move.
Sleepiness
Seniors with Parkinson’s disease often experience difficulty sleeping, resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness. In a study published in Neurology, researchers set out to see if daily caffeine could increase alertness and help with excessive daytime sleepiness. The study participants were randomized to take either a placebo or 200 mg of caffeine in the morning and then again at lunchtime. For comparison, a typical cup of coffee contains around 100 mg of caffeine. Although the study found the caffeine had little effect on daytime sleepiness, it did enhance several measures of motor function. The most dramatic was a decrease in bradykinesia symptoms. Bradykinesia means slowness of movement, and it’s an overwhelming symptom of Parkinson’s disease.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable homecare services. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care Columbia to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Mechanism
Caffeine is known to antagonize the adenosine 2A receptor in the brain. Adenosine receptors form heterodimers with dopamine receptors and thereby down-regulate dopamine-stimulated activity in the brain. Lack of dopamine in the brain is known to be involved in many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. If caffeine can block the function of some of the adenosine receptors, the dopamine pathways can become more active. It’s also possible that caffeine enhances the bioavailability of levodopa, the primary drug used to boost the amount of dopamine in the brains of seniors with Parkinson’s disease.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional care. Columbia seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Animal Studies
Various studies in animal models of Parkinson’s disease have consistently reported that caffeine alleviates the animals’ symptoms. In fact, several studies have even reported that regular lifelong high intake of coffee can reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease in the first place.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Families looking for top-rated Columbia senior home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 443-233-1245 to learn more about our customized care plans.