American Parkinson Disease Association, Washington Chapter

By Phillip D. Swanson MD, PhD

A small study was reported in the October 2002 issue of the Archives of Neurology suggesting that the substance Coenzyme Q10 may slow the progression of functional decline in people with early symptoms of PD. The study was carried out as a multicenter trial in 10 very reputable centers in the US. Sixteen patients were placed on placebo, and 20 to 23 patients on 1 of 3 doses of Coenzyme Q10 (300, 600 or 1200 milligrams).

Coenzyme Q10 is also known as ubiquinone. It is a molecule that is an important part of the energy-producing system of the mitochondria which are present in most of our tissues. Mitochondria transform oxygen and sugar into ATP, the "high-energy phosphate" which is needed for most of the body functions that require energy. Mitochondrial damage has been seen in some studies of parkinsonian patients and in some animal models.

In the reported study, the main effects were seen at the highest dose of Coenzyme Q10: 1200 milligrams. After 1 year, on average, patients had somewhat better scores on the "UPDRS" scale, which rates mentation, daily living activities such as speech, dressing, walking, and motor functions such as slowness and tremor. However, there was no improvement on some tests, such as a timed tapping trial, or in the need to begin therapy with other medications such as levodopa.

The authors did not recommend that Coenzyme Q10 be used for treatment. Rather, they suggested that a larger study was needed to confirm the results. However, who would blame someone for running to the local pharmacy to pick up a supply?