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New patch may control Parkinson's symptoms better
September 3, 1996
Web posted at: 9:30 p.m. EDTFrom Correspondent Jeff Levine
RICHMOND, Virginia (CNN) -- Researchers have developed a skin patch that appears more effective than pills for controlling the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
The patch provides patients with more even doses of medication, said Dr. Vincent Calabrese at Virginia Commonwealth University, who supervised a recent study of nine patients.
Among them was 70-year-old William Philip.
"The patch medication seems to relieve the effects of rigidity almost completely, and the shuffling of the feet walking seems to have smoothed out," Philip said.
Parkinson's disease stems from damage to nerve cells, which results in decreased production of the brain chemical dopamine. The chronic, progressive illness is marked by tremors, muscle weakness and a shuffling gait. About 1 million Americans are afflicted.
In the study, the patients wore the patch -- which administers dopamine-like drugs -- for 30 hours. They all showed improvements, with no side effects, Calabrese said.
"The patients feel that the drug is as effective or more effective than the medications that they have been using," the physician said.
Normally, Parkinson's patients use pills to control symptoms, but the university study shows the patch may have advantages -- especially in the long run.
For instance, pills give an initial burst of medication, then the effect falls off. This peak-and-valley phenomenon makes it tougher to control symptoms over time, researchers say.
The patch seems to offer a smoother control of symptoms, and might be an alternative to those who have a hard time swallowing. But, its trials still are in the early stages, Calabrese said. (12 sec. /102K AIFF or WAV sound)
The doctor plans to try the patch with at least 50 patients this fall, and hopes to make a more thorough comparison between it and pill.
Meanwhile, Philip says he'd recommend it to others suffering from the disease.
"If they had it on the market today, I'd be down there right now buying it," he said.
Related story:
- New device offers relief for patients with tremors- Apr. 4, 1996
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