Connection between hypertension and severity of Parkinson's symptoms

A link between hypertension and the Parkinson's disease, by a group of researchers from the’University of Basel who published a paper in 2008 suggesting that some hypertension drugs also reduced the risk of Parkinson's disease.

However, the exact connection between the two conditions has been unknown until now. Previous research has indicated that consumption of dairy products and statins could lead to a increased risk of Parkinson's disease, while wine may delay its onset.

The study: collaboration between UK and Italy

A collaboration between British and Italian scientists, the study analyzed data from the database of Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), sponsored by the U.S. actor suffering from. Parkinson, Michael J. Fox.

The group examined whether certain markers of Parkinson's disease were different in early-stage Parkinson's patients, who had not yet started therapy, either with or without hypertension and, if so, to what extent.

What parameters were analyzed

Some of the indicators included in the study were neurological parameters, various biomarkers - medical signs that help identify a disease - and levels of dopamine, as low dopamine values worsen movement problems in Parkinson's patients. The group also examined motor and non-motor symptoms.

Patients with hypertension had more severe Parkinson's disease

From the data, researchers showed that those with hypertension showed a more severe form of Parkinson's disease than patients with normal blood pressure.

Dr. Beniamino Giordano, one of the authors of the study stated:

“It was evident that patients with hypertension had motor symptoms of greater severity, such as muscle rigidity or a slowing of voluntary motor functions, as well as reduced capacity in the affected basal ganglia. However, these data are only preliminary, and further analysis is needed to clarify the link between hypertension and Parkinson's disease.”

Treating hypertension to improve Parkinson's symptoms

However, the results led the team to conclude that “Results suggest that optimal management of high blood pressure may also improve Parkinson's symptoms” and now they hope that blood pressure management may be an effective way to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.