FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON April 02, 2003

Fruit Consumption Related to Increased Risk of Parkinson’s Disease?

Embargoed for meeting release until 9:00 am HT, Wed., April 2, 2003

Honolulu, Hawaii -

Researchers in Honolulu have found a correlation between high fruit and fruit drink consumption and risk of Parkinson’s disease. Findings of their study are being presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Honolulu, March 29-April 5, 2003. Previous studies have suggested a link between fruit and vitamin C intake and an increased risk of Parkinson’s. However, these studies have been primarily retrospective in design and are subject to recall bias. The current study is longitudinal, in which risk factor data was collected before onset of Parkinson’s among more than 8,000 study subjects. Incidence of Parkinson’s cases was noted over 34 years of observation. Results of the study show that increased fruit and fruit drink consumption predicted an increased Parkinson’s risk, after adjusting for other known risk factors. High dietary and supplemental intake of vitamin C did not appear to be associated with risk of Parkinson’s. "We speculate that this increased risk may be due to plant borne toxins, pesticides or herbicides, rather than the fruit itself," notes study author Andrew Grandinetti, PhD, of the Pacific Biomedical Research Center, University of Hawaii and Manoa. "High fruit intake is still an important protective factor against many chronic diseases. However, these findings suggest that further research into the role of food borne toxins may provide clarity as well as insight into the etiology and prevention of Parkinson’s."

The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

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Editor's Notes: Dr. Grandinetti will present the research at the AAN’s 55th Annual Meeting in Honolulu during a presentation at 1:30 p.m. on Thurs., April 3 in Room 313C at the Hawaii Convention Center (HCC). He will be available to answer media questions during a briefing at 9:00 a.m. on Wed., April 2 in the AAN Press Room, Room 327 of the HCC. All listed times are for Hawaiian-Aleutian Standard Time (HT).