A Connection Between Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson's Risk?

A new review finds the literature on the link between alcohol consumption and patients’ potential for Parkinson’s disease offers little consensus as to how drinking impacts Parkinson’s risk.

In systematically reviewing the relevant literature from the years 2000 to 2014, researchers found scant evidence of either a positive or negative effect on Parkinson’s disease risk associated with consuming alcohol. For example, the authors observed that studies determining weak associations were at higher risk of selection and recall bias, which they say could impact the findings.

In total, a team including researchers from Tasmania University in Tasmania, Australia evaluated 16 articles that met the criteria for inclusion, all of which were primary research articles published in English and in peer-reviewed journals. The studies had to include a comparison or control group comprised of individuals without Parkinson’s disease, had to report a measure of association between alcohol intake and Parkinson’s risk, and must have adjusted for at least the potential confounding factors of smoking and age. The investigators excluded research that measured alcohol exposure only as drinker versus non-drinker. In addition, only non-significant connections were found in studies that accurately measured alcohol consumption and the incidence of Parkinson’s disease over time, which the researchers say bolsters their contention that limitations and biases were at play in many of the studies they evaluated.

"The studies we reviewed included a selection of articles that met a list of criteria. Although there are studies that are suggestive of an association, they are problematic due to methodological weaknesses,” says Silvana Bettiol, PhD, MPH, a professor in the School of Medicine at the University of Tasmania, and lead author of the review.

“Whilst volume and duration of alcohol consumption are important to determine cause-effect associations, evidence on preference to beverage must be interpreted with caution,” adds Bettiol. “Only ongoing research, consistent with solid research approaches, can determine long-term consequences. We know that alcohol causes a range of health issues, and it is strongly advised to follow recommended alcohol units and guidelines.”

—Mark McGraw

Reference

Bettiol S, Rose T, et al. Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson’s Disease Risk: A Review of Recent Findings. Journal of Parkinson's Disease. 2015.