Keeping you up to date with the latest clinical trial information
Parkinson's Disease
Visual and perceptual changes in Parkinson Disease patients. A behavioural difficulty in processing depth and peripheral stimuli
Aims of the study were to investigate whether, visual and perceptual changes in Parkinson Disease (PD) patients found in some laboratory studies, have been noticed by patients outside lab conditions, and so are likely to be of both practical and clinical significance.
Verbal and visual memory in patients with early Parkinson's disease: Effect of levodopa
Early Parkinson's disease (PD) patients might show impairment in the neuropsychological tests despite overt dementia being reported only in 10- 30% PD patients.
Neuropsychological functions in progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's disease
Parkinsonism is the tetrad of rigidity, bradykinesia, tremor and impaired postural reflexes. Approximately 80-85% of patients with parkinsonism seen in movement disorder clinics have Parkinson's disease (PD), while the rest belong to the categories of atypical parkinsonism and secondary parkinsonism.
PET Scanning in Parkinson's Disease
This study will compare brain blood flow and the brain's use of dopamine in patients with Parkinson's disease, their family members and normal volunteers. Dopamine is a chemical normally found in the part of the brain involved in controlling movement. This chemical is lacking in people with Parkinson's disease, and patients have difficulty initiating or controlling some body movements. Usually, Parkinson's disease develops in people without any known cause. In a few families, however, three or more people are affected, suggesting these families may have a genetic alteration that makes them more prone to develop the disease.
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Investigating the Safety of srTMS in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Super rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation (srTMS) is a method of brain stimulation that may be able to change the electrical activity of the nerve cells of the brain. It has been proposed and tested as a treatment for brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease. The purpose of this study is to use a device called the magnetic stimulator to investigate the safe limit of srTMS, such as intensity of stimulation and the number of magnetic pulses that may lead to excessive brain stimulation.
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Spheramine® in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease (The STEPS Trial)
The purpose of the STEPS clinical research study is to evaluate the effect and safety of Spheramine implantation in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Spheramine is a cell therapy that consists of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells attached to microscopic gelatin beads (microcarriers). The RPE cells produce L-DOPA and are believed to directly enhance brain levels of dopamine. This clinical study will enroll 68 participants with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Half of the participants will be randomly (by chance) assigned to receive Spheramine, and half will receive placebo (sham or mock surgical treatment). If Spheramine is proven to be both beneficial and safe in this study, those participants who had the placebo treatment will be offered Spheramine at the end of the trial.
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| Guidelines Watch |
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A round up of the latest Clinical Guidelines from the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC)
Motor/Movement Disorders
Neuroprotective Strategies and Alternative Therapies for Parkinson Disease
To define key issues in the management of Parkinson disease (PD) relating to neuroprotective
strategies and alternative treatments, and to make evidence-based treatment recommendations. Published by: American Academy of Neurology (2006)
Parkinson's disease in the long-term care setting
American Medical Directors Association - Professional Association. 2002. 34 pages. NGC:002947
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New Indication Approved: June 27, 2006
