Parkinson's disease affects the central nervous system, causing movement and speech problems, tremor and memory loss. It occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical responsible for transmitting messages relating to movement, begin to die. Parkinson's is a progressive condition that gradually worsens over time, although drugs such as dopamine agonists and selective monoamine oxidase type inhibitors help slow its progression and improve symptoms. An amino acid called creatine might also help to slow disease progression, although evidence showing that it is effective is limited as of 2011. Talk to your doctor before using creatine.
About Creatine
Creatine is a building block of protein and is manufactured by the body in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Although creatine supplements are primarily used to boost athletic performance, they might also play a role in the prevention or treatment of other medical conditions including muscular dystrophy and heart disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that creatine might improve muscle function and mobility in people with Parkinson's disease and may also help improve their mood.
Administration
Creatine is found in a host of foods including red meat and fish; the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that wild game is the richest source of creatine. It is also available as a dietary supplement. MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, states that 10g daily has been used to treat Parkinson's disease. This is only a general guideline, so talk to your doctor before using to ensure it is suitable for you. Drink plenty of water while taking a creatine supplement as it can cause dehydration.
Effectiveness
MedlinePlus states that evidence suggests creatine might be an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, adding that it might help slow the worsening of symptoms in people with early-stage Parkinson's. However, the results of a small clinical study published in the October 2006 issue of "Neurology" show that while creatine supplementation improves mood and facilitates a smaller dose increase of dopaminergic drugs used to treat Parkinson's, it has no effect on the overall Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale.
Safety Considerations
Creatine is likely safe, according to MedlinePlus, but it might cause side effects including muscle cramping, pain and nausea. In addition, high doses may affect liver, kidney and heart function. It might also cause an irregular heart beat in some people. Don't take supplemental creatine if you have diabetes or kidney disease and avoid it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Keep in mind that it might interact with other medicines including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics.
References
- BBC Health; Parkinson's Disease; Dr. Rob Hicks; May 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Creatine; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 2009
- MedlinePlus; Creatine; January 2011
- "Neurology"; Creatine Supplementation in Parkinson Disease: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Pilot Trial; A. Bender, et al.; October 2006
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