Hi folks - I have been asked by my neuro at the University of Kansas Medical
Center (KUMC) to be further evaluated for participation in this study.  As I
am woefully behind in reading all my PD digests, I may have missed postings
on this, except for Stephan's posting belong.  The question is should I try
this or not.  Anecdotal experiences welcomed.  I'm scheduled to go in Monday
to determine my suitability further.  I will be happy to post my experiences
too.
        I think my last posting concerned my attempt to change agonists from
Parlodel to Mirapex.  It has not been an easy road to hoe - I've gone through
the excessive dyskinesia stage, and have found increased rigidity to be a
problem.  For the first time, I've had trouble sleeping due to discomfort
from rigidity.  Taking my cue from David ?, I think I am licking this problem
by taking all my dosages (.5 mgs, total 1.5 mgs) earlier in the day - now
basically pre- breakfast, lunch, & dinner.  Also, I have not been able to
successfully reduce my Sinemet but rather am finding that a full 5 25/100
have provided the best ongoing result (I previously took 4-5 with 4
predominating).
        Re: Udall - We did it.  We really did it!  What next miracle can we wrought?
Hats off to Jim, Joan, Margaret, Barbara S., et al.  I loved Jim's
description of his "signing: trip.
        A foot soldier in Kansas.
Barb
Barbara Blake-Krebs  (57, dx 1984)       [log in to unmask]
Merriam, KS, USA                                                (ltr after F is cap "i")



>> Date:    Fri, 24 Oct 1997 15:14:37 -0400
> From:    Stephan Schwartz <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Drug Trials -Reply
>
> On 10/24 Brian Collins wrote:
> >>>. . . Remacemide . . . drug trials in the U.S. . . . . anyone
> taking part in a trial?<<<
> Hi Brian:
>      One of the 10+ centers conducting a clinical trial of
> remacemide hydrocholride is The Columbia-Presbyterian
> Medical Center in NYC.  The study will last 6 weeks.
>      Researchers report that this medication inhibits the
> glutamine cells of the basel ganglia (the center of motor
> control of the brain).  Researchers are trying to determine if
> remacemide can alleviate the typical "wearing off" effect after
> the optimum dosage of the medication has passed peak
> dose.
>      Glutamate is an amino acid which causes nerve cells in
> the brain to be more active.  PWP experience a decrease of
> dopamine in the brain which causes increased activity in the
> subthalamic nucleus.  The increase in neural activity in turn
> causes tremor, and stiffness.  Researchers believe that
> increased glutamate activity may be toxic to nerve cells.
>      Remacemide is considered a glutamate antagonist which
> will block the glutamate effect and thereby enhance the
> levodopa effect.
>      Patients chosen for the study must be sensitive enough
> to their condition that they can differentiate between an on or
> off period while on levodopa.
>     I will not be participating in any study.  Good luck.
>         Stephan 53/7