New study disputes the value of CoQ10 to treat Parkinson’s disease

In 2002, the Parkinson Study Group reported that CoQ10 (coenzyme Q 10) slowed deterioration in patients with early Parkinson’s disease even though it failed to postpone the start of levodopa (Dopar) treatment.

Now, a study in patients with midstage Parkinson’s disease without changes on muscle function and control reports disappointing results.

First, the details.

• 131 patients with Parkinson’s disease were randomly assigned to placebo or nanoparticular CoQ10 (100 mg 3 times a day) for 3 months.

And, the results.

• There were no differences between the nanoparticular CoQ10 and the placebo treatment.

The bottom line?
The authors conclude that contrary to an earlier hypothesis, this study does not support that “restoring the impaired energy metabolism of the diseased dopaminergic neurons [using CoQ10] leads to symptomatic benefits in Parkinson disease.”

Reason’s for the differences in results? The earlier study treated patients for 16 month compared to just 3 months. It’s also possible that could higher doses are needed.

This is probably not the last we’ll hear about CoQ10 and Parkinson’s disease.

6/3/07 22:00 JR