Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does drinking coffee prevent the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease?
A. Research shows an inverse relationship between coffee drinking and the development of Parkinson's disease, with the exception of women undergoing hormone therapy. The mechanism of action for this effect has yet to be fully identified.

Q. How much coffee do I need to drink to help protect me from developing Parkinson's Disease?
A. Studies have shown that regular caffeine consumption may be protective against the incidence of Parkinson's. Higher amounts of coffee consumption (four or more cups per day) were found to reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's in male participants, whilst women with the lowest risk consumed moderate amounts of caffeine (one to three cups of coffee per day or, about 100-300 mg/day) and had never used post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy.

Q. Have scientists recently discovered the protective effects of drinking coffee and Parkinson's Disease?
A. No. The first study to indicate the possible effects of drinking coffee and reducing the risk of Parkinson's was published in 1968. Since then many studies have shown similar results, which all suggest that coffee in moderation may reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's in men and women not taking post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy.