The 'Parkinson's Patch'

Researchers are developing a new method for treating patients with Parkinson's disease. The 'Parkinson's Patch' assures a steady, uniform dosage of medication, thereby reducing the risk of side effects

Friday, September 20, 2002

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One of the chronic problems for people suffering from Parkinson's disease is ensuring that the levels of medication to treat the symptoms of the condition are consistent and uniform. When dosage levels fluctuate, the result can sometimes be ineffective treatment and negative side effects. Burton Scott, assistant clinical professor in neurology at the Movement Disorders Clinic at Duke University Medical Center, says many new and innovative approaches to treating the disease are on the horizon, including the "Parkinson's Patch." Scott says the patch is currently in the final stage of clinical trials and could be approved by the FDA within three years. He says the device could simplify the lives of Parkinson's patients. I'm Cabell Smith for MedMinute.

Note: To obtain information about clinical trials for Parkinson's disease at the Duke Movement Disorders Clinic, contact Carroll Wilcox, RN, at (919) 668-2879.