Parkinson's disease is a neuro-degenerative condition that generally occurs after the age of 50 but has been seen in younger patients. Subsequently, some studies have found that coenzyme Q10 is helpful in the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease. However, over time, medical research on Parkinson's disease and treatment with coenzyme Q10 has yielded mixed results and has not been conclusive.
Symptoms
Parkinson's disease is generally characterized by stiffness of arms and legs and trunk, tremor, slowed movements and impaired coordination and balance. Other signs and symptoms often include sleep disturbance, difficulty with speech and swallowing. As the condition advances, patients living with Parkinson's often need assistance with basic activities of daily living and often are prone to emotional disturbances as well, as they strive to cope with this debilitating, progressive disease.
Causes
Though it is not known how Parkinson's disease is actually caused, according to Science Daily, it is believed that Parkinson's disease is possibly a malfunction of the mitochondria, the part of the cell that produces energy from food. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, Parkinson's disease is thought to be the result of loss of brain cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Expert Insight
According to the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Shults and his colleagues performed a multi-center clinical trial of over 100 patients that had been diagnosed for 5 years or more. All of the study participants had tremors, slow movements and stiffness. They were clinically evaluated at 1 month and 4 months over a period of 16 months, and given 3 different doses of coenzyme Q10: 300 mg, 600mg, or 1200 mg per day. At the end of the study it was found that coenzyme Q10 can slow the progression of Parkinson's when taken in the early stages of the disease.
Food Sources
Coenzyme Q10 is found in some foods like whole grains and oily fish such as salmon and tuna. Most people are able to consume adequate amounts of coenzyme Q10 from their dietary intake, though supplementation may be helpful for some patients with certain health conditions such as heart disease.
Supplementation
Presently, coenzyme Q10 is available over-the-counter without a prescription as a food supplement. It is considered to be an antioxidant that scavenges and destroys damaging free-radical cells.
Safety
According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health, it has been established that dosages as high as 1200 mg per day has been found safe. Also, higher dosages of coenzyme were found to be more effective than lower dosages in clinical trials by Shults and colleagues. However, it is always important to consult a physician before taking supplements, as they may interfere with some medications and medical conditions.
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