Introduction
Caffeine has been used on several occasions as a flavoring agent since it has the capability of modifying the flavors of other drinks. It contributes tremendously to the sensory appeal of all soft drinks. Moderate intake of the drink with caffeine does not in any way causes negative impacts on the health of adults (Ross and Petrovitch 2674-2679).
Consumption of caffeine is associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease
Recent research reveals that consumption of moderate to high coffee is purely associated with reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) as well as other diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This can further be revealed by the trend towards increased coffee drinking within the United States which might be translated into decreased rates of PD shortly. Findings based on evidence have raised the possibility that caffeine working mechanisms have to some extent, clinical applications which could be used in the process of prevention and treatment of PD (Ross and Petrovitch 2674-2679).
Epidemiologic studies have discovered the existing inverse relationship between caffeine consumption and the level of risks posed by PD (Reuters). Research done at Honolulu, based on the heart program and which covered around eight thousand Japanese-American men for close to 30years, revealed that the level of caffeine intake at baseline could show the future risk of PD at the beginning of the first fifteen-year period. PD incidences in men who drank coffee were found to be significantly lower as compared to those who never took coffee. The risk of the disease was found to reduce more progressively with the increase in the level of coffee consumption. This research was further compared based on age and smoking status of which the results were found to be more than triple those with risk of PD who never drank. Caffeine intake from other sources experienced the same results with the reduction in the level of PD (American Heart Association).
However, despite all the findings in support of caffeine’s medical abilities to reduce the effect of diseases, questions and misconceptions concerning potential health effects related to caffeine continue to emerge. The idea of the reduced risk of PD only applies to those women who have never been through the therapy which replaces post-menopausal hormone. It also suggested that adults suffering from hypertension and the elderly appear more vulnerable to caffeine effects. Those in regular consumption of caffeinated drinks are known to undergo some mild short-lived symptoms whenever they make an abrupt stop on the drink.
Some observers argue that the level of reduction in cases of PD amongst coffee drinkers does not in any way link to the neuroprotective effects of caffeine. The argument is based on the idea that caffeine consumption levels vary depending on the nature of personality. They tend to strongly recognize the concept of what is known as premorbid parkinsonian personality which is associated with reduced novelty seeking (American Psychiatric Association).
Evaluation
Since most epidemiological research studies appear to concur towards the increased abilities of caffeine to prevent PD, the support for the same is high. Despite advice for more research, the therapeutic potential of caffeine seems to be sure concerning some diseases like neurodegenerative diseases. Caffeine has the capabilities of generating receptors that give protection to the brain preventing degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons which reinforces the effects of PD. The research was precise hence my position remains positive concerning the topic of the research (IFIC 3-10; Prediger RDS S205-S220).
Conclusion
Despite all these, little evidence has been given concerning the health risks associated with caffeine consumption. Most of the evidence from several studies has revealed that caffeine consumption decreases to a greater percentage the risk of Parkinson’s disease in both men and women. The American Psychiatric Association cites no evidence linked with the effects of caffeine withdrawal. They revealed that people respond in different ways concerning their general sensitivity towards caffeine. A study done in France at the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research revealed that the level of consumption of at least three cups per day in women slows the rate of decline in cognitive abilities (American Psychiatric Association).
Works Cited
American Heart Association (AHA). “Statement on Caffeine”. 2007. Web.
American Psychiatric Association (APA). “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.”(4th Ed).DSM IV. Washington; APA Press, 1994.
IFIC. “Caffeine and Health: Clarifying the Controversies.” IFICF Review, (2010): 3-10.
Prediger RDS. “Effects of Caffeine in Parkinson’s disease: from Neuroprotection to the Management of motor and non-motor Symptoms.” J Alzheimer’s Dis, 20 (2010): S205-S220.
Reuters. “Gene explains coffee’s effects on Parkinson’s: study.” 2010. Web.
Ross, Wilts & Petrovitch, Han. “Association of Coffee and Caffeine intake with the risk of Parkinson disease.” JAMA, 283(2000); 2674-2679.