In the past, a study had hypothesized a link between hypertension and Parkinson’s disease, conducted 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 the consumption of dairy products and statins might lead to a higher risk of Parkinson’s, while wine could delay its onset.
The study: UK and Italy collaboration
A collaboration between British and Italian scientists, the study analyzed data from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database, sponsored by the American actor with Parkinson’s, 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, both with and without hypertension, and if so, to what extent.
Which 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 levels worsen movement problems in Parkinson’s patients. The group also examined motor and non-motor symptoms.
Patients with hypertension had more severe Parkinson’s
From the data, the researchers demonstrated that those with hypertension showed a more severe form of Parkinson’s disease compared to patients with normal blood pressure.
Dr. Beniamino Giordano, one of the study’s authors, stated:
“It became evident that patients with hypertension had more severe motor symptoms, such as muscle stiffness or a slowdown of voluntary motor functions, as well as reduced capacity in the affected basal ganglia. However, these data are only preliminary, and further analyses are needed to clarify the link between hypertension and Parkinson’s.”
Treating hypertension to improve Parkinson’s symptoms
The results nevertheless led the team to conclude that “the findings suggest that optimal management of high blood pressure may also improve Parkinson’s symptoms” and now hope that blood pressure management could be an effective way to reduce Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
