A number of lifestyle factors affect progression of Parkinson disease (PD), according to researchers in the USA. Paul and co-workers analysed data on smoking, physical activity and consumption of coffee, caffeinated tea and alcohol in a cohort of 360 patients who had received a PD diagnosis in the past 3 years. All patients were included in survival analyses and 252 patients were assessed for signs of progression in terms of motor function and cognition in 2–4 visits over an average of 5.3 years. Coffee was found to be protective against motor function decline, cognitive decline and mortality. Moderate alcohol consumption (versus no alcohol consumption and versus heavy alcohol consumption) was protective against motor function decline. A history of participation in competitive sports was protective against cognitive decline and decline in motor function, whereas current cigarette smoking was associated with faster cognitive decline.