There is no recognized way by doctors to prevent Parkinson’s disease. However, here is what research indicates.

Men who consume moderate caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, cola) (1 to 4 cups per day) may benefit from a protective effect against Parkinson’s disease, according to cohort studies from large wingspan1,2,11,12. A study carried out on a population of Chinese origin showed the same effect34. On the other hand, in women, the protective effect has not been demonstrated so clearly. All the same, an 18-year cohort study found that the risk of Parkinson’s disease decreased in coffee users who did not take hormone replacement therapy during menopause. Conversely, taking hormone replacement therapy and caffeine together would increase the risk.13

Drinking one to four cups of green tea a day also appears to prevent Parkinson’s disease, an effect believed to be due, at least in part, to the presence of caffeine in green tea. For men, the most effective doses range from around 400 mg to 2,5 g of caffeine per day, or a minimum of 5 cups of green tea per day.

In addition, people addicted to tobacco are less likely to have Parkinson’s disease. According to a meta-analysis published in 2012, this risk is reduced by 56% in smokers, compared to those who have never smoked. Nicotine would stimulate the release of dopamine, thus compensating for the dopamine deficit found in patients. However, this benefit does not weigh heavily in comparison with all the diseases that smoking can cause, in particular several types of cancer.

Several meta-analyzes indicate that ibuprofen may be associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease. Data on other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are conflicting, with some meta-analyzes finding that NSAIDs are associated with a reduced risk of disease while others report no significant association.