The Beneficial Role of Thiamine in Parkinson’s Disease: Preliminary Report

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common form of neuro-degeneration in the elderly population. PD is clinically characterized by tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement and postural imbalance. A significant association has been demonstrated between PD and low levels of serum thiamine. Five PD patients presented with stone face, right-hand tremors, Parkinsonian gait and bradykinesia with occasional freezing. Two patients presented with sialorrhea and the plasma transkelosase activity was low in one patient. All of the patients received 100 - 200 mg daily doses of parenteral thiamine. Within days of thiamine treatment, the patients had smiles on their faces, walked normally with longer steps, increased their arm swings, and experienced no tremors or sialorrhea. Three patients did not require carbidopa and levodopa without effects on their movements. Thiamine may benefit to PD. Further investigation of thiamine in PD patients is needed. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jnr145e