Company Press Release
Clinical Trial to Examine Drug's Effect on Depression Related to
Parkinson's Disease
Cleveland Clinic enrolling patients in study
CLEVELAND, Dec. 16, 1999 /PRNewswire/ -- The physical symptoms of
Parkinson's disease, a chronic, progressive disorder of the nervous
system, can be devastating in and of themselves. But an estimated 15 to
20% of Parkinson's patients must also deal with a less-publicized
symptom of the condition -- clinical depression.
A nationwide, multicenter clinical trial is being undertaken to address
that problem. The trial will examine the effect of a drug called
pramipexole (Mirapex) on Parkinson's-related depression. Pramipexole is
already commonly used to treat the physical side effects of the disease,
but anecdotal evidence indicates it may also be effective for
depression.
``We believe the same chemical changes in the brain that cause other
symptoms of Parkinson's may bring about clinical depression in a
substantial number of patients with the disease,'' said Erwin B.
Montgomery, M.D., director of the Movement Disorders Program at the
Cleveland Clinic. ``However, there is no absolute, independent marker
for depression stemming from physical (rather than mental) causes, and
health care coverage for mental disorders is poor. If we can show that
this drug has a positive effect on those with Parkinson's disease who
suffer from depression, it could be of tremendous benefit.''
Dr. Montgomery noted that depression can exacerbate the physical
symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and that therefore ``we try to treat
depression in these patients very aggressively.''
The Cleveland Clinic was one of the first institutions to note the
positive effect of pramipexole on the depressive symptoms of Parkinson's
disease, said R. Stanley Burns, M.D., principle investigator of the
pramipexole trial at the Cleveland Clinic.
The Cleveland Clinic is the only Cleveland-area institution
participating in the trial. Patients interested in participating should
be between the ages of 21 and 75 years and may be required (under a
physician's direction) to change certain drugs they may be taking for
Parkinson's and/or depression. For more information, contact study
coordinator Kathy Wilson, R.N. at 216-445-1110.
Parkinson's disease affects 1 in every 250 people over the age of 40 (1
in 100 over 65) and is the fourth most common disease of older people.
While there is no cure for it, Parkinson's can be treated with a variety
of drugs or even surgery. The disease may begin with tremors or shaking
when at rest, sluggish initiation of movements, muscular stiffness and
instability of walking and balance. The disease then progresses
gradually and may eventually lead to a loss of mental function in a few
patients.
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, founded in 1921, integrates clinical
and hospital care with research and education in a private, non-profit
group practice. At the Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Florida in
1998, nearly 1,000 full-time salaried physicians representing more than
100 medical specialities and subspecialties provided for 1,735,484
outpatient visits and 49,893 hospital admissions for patients from
throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. In 1997, The
Cleveland Clinic Health System was formed. It now comprises The
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Euclid, Fairview, Hillcrest, Huron,
Lakewood, Lutheran, Marymount and South Pointe hospitals, and the
Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for Rehabilitation. With 3,010
staffed beds, the Cleveland Clinic Health System offers broad geographic
coverage, a full continuum of care, improved quality and lower cost of
care to Northeast Ohio residents.
The Cleveland Clinic's web site address is:
http://www.clevelandclinic.org .
SOURCE: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Copyright 1994-1999 Yahoo! / Copyright © 1999 PRNewswire
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Judith Richards, London, Ontario, Canada
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