has the exceptional ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier , enabling it to directly influence the cells inside the brain .

The research , which included 4,488 participants , revealed that frequent drinking of tea or coffee significantly reduced the probability of getting PD by four to eight times compared to those who did not consume caffeine and had the gene . Moreover , the preventive advantages seemed to increase with larger amounts of caffeine , while even moderate use below 200mg per day was advantageous .

The results emphasise the potential of coffee in reducing neuroinflammation and cell death . However , more investigation is needed to understand the relationship with Asian PD gene variations .

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE STUDY

1 . Chance mitigation : Individuals who regularly take caffeine and possess PD gene variations have a significantly reduced chance of developing PD , ranging from 4 to 8 times lower compared to individuals who do not consume caffeine and possess the gene .

2 . Mean consumption : The individuals in the PD cases group had an average intake of 448.3 mg of caffeine , whereas the healthy controls group had an average intake of 473.0 mg . This is similar to consuming 4-5 cups of Western-brewed Arabica coffee .

3 . Population impact : Approximately 10 per cent of Singapore ’ s population has one of the two recognised Asian gene variations linked to a 1.5 to 2 times greater risk of PD . A recent study conducted by the National Neuroscience Institute has shown that individuals with Asian gene variants associated with PD who consume tea or coffee containing caffeine regularly have a significantly reduced risk of developing the illness . In fact , their risk is four to eight times lower compared to those

“ Tea and coffee consumers who possess the PD gene reduce their chance of developing PD to a level lower than those who do not consume caffeine and do not possess the gene . Caffeine has been recognised for its potential capacity to protect PD and other neurodegenerative disorders .”

who do not use caffeine and possess the PD genes .

Tea and coffee consumers who possess the PD gene reduce their chance of developing PD to a level lower than those who do not consume caffeine and do not possess the gene . Caffeine has been recognised for its potential capacity to protect PD and other neurodegenerative disorders .

This research demonstrates that caffeine may substantially reduce the risk of PD and equalise the chances for Asians , who are genetically predisposed to PD and at present do not exhibit any symptoms . Caffeine has been shown to mitigate neuronal inflammation in the brain , reducing cell mortality .

However , the specific mechanisms by which caffeine interacts with Asian PD gene variations remain unknown . Caffeic acid is a member of the polyphenol family , a group of plant-based chemicals recognised for its antioxidant abilities in neutralising free radicals . Caffeic acid

COFFEE IS A HUG IN A MUG

The research , including the 4,488 participants , revealed that those with Asian-specific genetic variations have a 1.5 to 2-fold greater susceptibility to developing PD . East Asians have a higher prevalence of two well-documented Asian gene variations .

Approximately 10 per cent of the population in Singapore has one of these gene variations , which are situated in the coding area responsible for protein translation . Every participant successfully filled out a verified questionnaire on their caffeine use .

The study participants with Parkinson ’ s disease had an average caffeine intake of 448.3 mg , while the healthy controls had an average intake of 473.0 mg . This is equivalent to consuming four to five cups of Westernstyle brewed Arabica coffee ( 235ml / 8 fl oz per cup ) or two cups of traditional Singapore kopi made from Robusta coffee beans , which have a higher caffeine content than Arabica coffee beans .

Although the preventive effects of caffeine seemed to be more pronounced at larger levels , those who consumed less than 200mg of caffeine per day still had a reduction in their risk of PD . A daily consumption of 400 milligrammes of caffeine is often considered a safe amount for the majority of physically fit persons .

PD is seeing rapid worldwide growth as a neurological ailment with over 8,000 individuals now residing in Singapore who are affected by PD . This study has significant ramifications for the prevention of PD , particularly in nations such as Singapore , where the prevalence of Asian gene variations is high .

In the majority of Asian civilisations , tea and coffee are easily accessible and widely embraced , with caffeine use within moderate boundaries providing a convenient , enjoyable , and socially engaging means for individuals to lower their risk of PD possibly .

Simply put , “ Coffee is a hug in a mug - bitter beans , sweet defence ”. – The HEALTH

BRAIN BITES

BY DR WAEL MY MOHAMED

Dr Wael MY Mohamed is with the Department of Basic Medical Science , Kulliyyah of Medicine , International Islamic University Malaysia ( IIUM ).