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Reducing Your Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

Because researchers have such a limited understanding of the cause of Parkinson’s disease , there are currently no definite ways to reduce your risk of developing this condition.
Some studies have suggested that certain factors can lower your risk of Parkinson's disease. Examples include:
  • Having a higher caffeine intake
  • Having a higher intake of vitamin E and nuts
  • Having a higher intake of unsaturated fatty acids
  • Using of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Eating a Mediterranean diet , which includes plant foods (eg, fruits, veggies, grains, beans, seeds), olive oil, and fish
  • Regularly engaging in moderate to vigorous exercise
However, these were observational studies. They do not prove a cause and effect relationship for preventing Parkinson's disease. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking any new medicine. The side effects may outweigh any potential benefits.

References

Camdelacreu J. Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease: environmental risk factors. Neurologia. 2012. June 13.

Conn HF, Rakel RE. Conn’s Current Therapy 2002. 54th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2002.

De Lau LM, Bornebroek M, Wittemen JC, et al. Dietary fatty acids and the risk of Parkinson disease: the Rotterdam Study. Neurology. 2005;64:2040-2045.

Parkinson's disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated June 6, 2012. Accessed August 22, 2012.

Parkinson Disease. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons%5Fdisease/parkinsons%5Fdisease.htm . Accessed August 22, 2012.

4/8/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Sofi F, Abbate R, Gensini GF, Casini A. Accruing evidence on benefits of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on health: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;92(5):1189-1196.

6/17/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Xu Q, Park Y, Huang X, Hollenbeck A, Blair A, Schatzkin A, Chen H. Physical activities and future risk of Parkinson disease. Neurology. 2010;75(4):341-348.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: Rimas Lukas, MD
  • Review Date: 09/2012 -
  • Update Date: 00/91/2012 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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