Monitor the levels of caffeine present in the saliva of Parkinson’s patients to understand how the neurological pathology evolves. In fact, those suffering from moderate or advanced Parkinson’s have lower salivary concentrations of caffeine. This is what emerges from a study conducted by the group of Alfredo Berardelli of the Irccs Neuromed of Pozzilli (Isernia) and of the Sapienza University of Rome, published in ‘Scientific Reports’ (Nature group). Results that, according to the authors, “could pave the way for a rapid and non-invasive method to monitor the progression of the disease”. “It is known that caffeine intake reduces the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease – explains Giorgio Leodori of Neuromed and Sapienza, first author of the work – In the research we studied 86 patients who were at different stages of the disease and we compared with a control group consisting of 83 healthy subjects of the same age group. In patients with Parkinson’s disease and in control subjects, the level of absorption of caffeine, its metabolism and finally the amount of caffeine present were evaluated. in saliva “. The results, summarizes a note, showed that” the absorption and metabolism of caffeine were similar in patients and control subjects. Conversely, the level of caffeine in saliva was lower in patients with Parkinson’s disease. in a moderate or advanced phase compared to the control group “.” We do not yet know clearly what the causes of the different concentrations may be. ion of caffeine between patients and controls, given that we have not observed alterations in absorption or metabolism in the patients studied – remarks Leodori – Further studies will be necessary to clarify this aspect. However, what emerges from our work is that the measurement of caffeine in saliva can be a valid tool to define more precisely the stage at which Parkinson’s disease is and to follow its progression. We are therefore faced with a potential ‘biomarker’, useful for clinicians who follow patients “.” But beyond that – adds the researcher – our results suggest that caffeine could play a role in the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Investigating the mechanisms that link caffeine and Parkinson’s disease could lead to new knowledge on the genesis and development of such an important pathology, both for the quality of life of those affected and for the burden on the National Health Service “.