Parkinson Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Parkinson's Clinical Trials?

Parkinson's disease, commonly called Parkinson, is a degenerative brain disorder targeting the part of the brain responsible for movements. As the brain loses the nerve cells responsible for movement, the patient experiences difficulty moving and maintaining balance and uncontrolled movements such as shaking and tremors.

Parkinson's affects one to two of every thousand people. But according to experts, the percentage is higher as many patients get misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed. The disorder is caused by exposure to environmental toxins, but those who carry the genetic component are more likely to suffer from the disorder.

Parkinson's clinical trials seek to understand the causes of the disorder and develop better methods to diagnose the disorder, slow down its progression, and treat it. Parkinson's clinical trials also aim to find ways to prevent the onset in those at risk.

Why Is Parkinson Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

Living with Parkinson's is challenging. It causes slowed movement, muscle stiffness, impaired balance, poor coordination, and tremors in hands, legs, arms, feet, head, and jaw. As a result, patients with Parkinson's experience a high risk of falls and injuries. Stiffness of muscles also leads to constipation, urinary problems, and difficulty in speaking, chewing, and swallowing.

The symptoms make everyday life challenging, impacting the patients' emotional health and leading to depression. As the disorder progresses, patients may also experience loss of cognitive functions and memory.

Parkinson's clinical trials allow health and medical experts to understand its causes, detect it earlier, and prevent or treat it effectively. The disorder is studied through clinical trials to provide better help to those at risk and those suffering from it.

What Are the Types of Treatments Available for Parkinson's?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure available for Parkinson's. However, therapies, surgical treatments, and medication can help treat or cope with symptoms.

Patients with Parkinson's are commonly prescribed levodopa to increase the dopamine levels in their brains. Patients are also advised to practice yoga, tai chi, and a healthy lifestyle involving exercise to improve muscle health and coordination. Speech and physical therapies have also been found as beneficial treatment options.

Patients can also opt for deep brain stimulation surgery. In this surgery, the surgeon implants an electrical device in the patient's chest connected to the implanted electrodes in the brain part affected by the disorder. The implants improve the coordination between the brain and body, preventing or improving movement-related symptoms.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials for Parkinson's?

2023: The University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA, ran a successful clinical trial testing a non-invasive ultrasound treatment. The incisionless procedure was performed on only one side of the patients' brains as they lay in an MRI scanner, fully awake. They provided feedback during the procedure, allowing the doctors to adjust the treatment as needed. The procedure resulted in an improvement of symptoms, with the patients experiencing and expressing relief.

2023: The University of Colorado, USA, ran a clinical trial focusing on a particular protein that connects Parkinson's disorder and inflammation. The clinical trial was deemed successful in providing insight into possible disease triggers. Scientists and health experts aim to utilize the new information to develop new treatment methods.

Who Some of the Key Opinion Leaders/Researchers Are in Parkinson's Clinical Trial Research?

The Parkinson's Foundation is the leading platform dedicated to conducting research and clinical trials on Parkinson's.