Getting closer to a treatment for reducing falls in Parkinson’s — phase 3 trial now recruiting
Researchers are looking for 600 people with Parkinson’s to further investigate a treatment that has shown promise in reducing falls.
--
People with Parkinson’s often have trouble with balance and walking, which can result in falls. Falls affect 60% of people with Parkinson’s every year and can result in injuries, loss of confidence and anxiety. People living with the condition have told us that this should be a top research priority, as currently there are limited treatment options.
Researchers are currently investigating a treatment to reduce falls in people with Parkinson’s. The phase 3 trial is underway at 26 UK sites and is looking for people to take part.
In this blog post, we explain why this treatment looks promising and provide information about the current trial.
Why are people with Parkinson’s more at risk of falling?
Motor symptoms of Parkinson’s are the most common because brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine, which helps coordinate movement, are lost over time. This can lead to people with Parkinson’s feeling unsteady or slow when walking.
Parkinson’s can also impact another brain chemical involved in concentration called acetylcholine. Decreased levels of this chemical can result in people being more likely to fall as they may be less able to concentrate on walking.
Potential new treatment
This research trial is looking at whether a treatment, applied as a skin patch and previously used to help thinking and memory problems, can improve balance, walking and help prevent falls. The treatment being investigated is called rivastigmine and is known as a cholinesterase inhibitor. These inhibitors help boost acetylcholine levels in the brain to help improve concentration.
Previous research, funded by Parkinson’s UK and published in 2016, helped to show the promise of this treatment. This research was shaped by an advisory group of people affected by Parkinson’s who confirmed the importance of this research and helped shape the trial design. The previous study investigated whether taking rivastigmine orally, for 8 months, was safe and beneficial in 130 people with Parkinson’s. Those receiving the drug compared to the placebo, were 45% less likely to fall and much steadier on their feet. It’s really exciting that this is now being investigated in a larger UK wide trial.
Building on previous research
The phase 3 trial is being led by Dr Emily Henderson and carried out at research centres across the UK. The trial is called CHIEF-PD — Cholinesterase Inhibitors to prevent falls in Parkinson’s Disease. The research has been further shaped by people affected by Parkinson’s and is looking at delivering the treatment via a skin patch.
Purpose of the new study
The main aim of the research is to determine whether the treatment patch helps to prevent falls in people with Parkinson’s. The trial will also look at the cost effectiveness of using rivastigmine for this purpose, so that if it is successful it can be considered as a treatment for people with Parkinson’s who fall.
“If successful, this treatment will improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s now.
We are working hard to tackle one of the most disabling complications of Parkinson’s.”
Who can take part?
The researchers are looking for 600 people, over the age of 18, diagnosed with Parkinson’s and who have fallen in the past year. Participants will need to be able to walk at least 10 meters without a walking aid or assistance and not already be taking cholinesterase inhibitors (such as donepezil and rivastigmine).
What’s involved?
People who are interested in the trial will be asked to attend 2 visits, one at the beginning of the research and one at the end. The visits can be at the hospital, or in some areas may be done over video call or as a home visit.
- At the first visit people will be screened to check they are eligible to take part and perform a few assessments.
- They will then be randomly allocated to either receive the real drug or a placebo (dummy) medication. The medication is delivered directly to the participant’s house.
- Participants will take the medication for 12 months and record any falls that they experience in diaries.
The research team will telephone people taking part each month to see how they are getting on, help them with the diaries and support them during their time taking part in the trial.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
Taking part in this trial represents an opportunity to access a possible new treatment which holds genuine potential for reducing falls in Parkinson’s.
If this trial is shown to be beneficial it could result in this treatment becoming available across the UK.
Interested in taking part?
Go to the Parkinson’s UK website to find a full list of research sites and contact details — parkinsons.org.uk/research/chief-pd
This trial is likely to be recruiting people to take part until 31 December 2021.
This trial is funded by The National Institute for Health This trial is funded by The National Institute for Health Research and is led by Dr Emily Henderson at the University of Bristol and delivered by research teams across the UK. This post has been produced by Parkinson’s UK for information only and should not be taken as an endorsement or advice to join the trial. Anyone considering taking part in research should read the full trial information carefully and discuss this with their loved ones and health professionals.
Find opportunities to take part in research
There are many studies underway across the UK that need people affected by Parkinson’s to participate. Our Take Part Hub makes it easy to browse for studies in your local area and that suit you — just click on the picture below to get started.
