Research and Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials Offer Hope and Guide Treatment Plans
Medical advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's Disease (PD) offer hope to patients and families while also guiding the treatment plans developed by our team of PD specialists. That's why we actively participate in multi-center clinical trials evaluating new treatments for PD.
- We are members of the Parkinson Study Group, a national consortium of PD centers which carries out multi-center clinical trails of new medications for the treatment of PD.
- We participate in several other leading-edge clinical research studies of new medications for PD.
- We are actively participating in a National Institutes of Health initiative to identify therapies that may slow the progression of PD.
- We are a National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence, which provides us with access to funding for clinical research, community outreach, and educational projects.
Current Research Studies Available
We are currently recruiting for the following research studies:
[Contact Information]
Evaluating the Effects of Pioglitazone (Actos®) on Early Parkinson Disease
This study will assess the effects of pioglitazone (Actosâ) at two different doses on the progression (change over time) of Parkinson’s disease versus Placebo (a pill that looks and tastes like the real study drug but it is not the study drug). To be eligible for the study, you must have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within the past 5 years and must be taking rasagiline (Azilect) at 1 mg/day or selegiline (Deprenyl, Eldepryl) at 10 mg/day for at least 8 weeks, but not more than 8 months. You are not eligible if you are taking pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), or carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet).
Evaluating the effects of COGANE on Early Parkinson Disease symptoms
34-week long study for men and women people with early stage Parkinson Disease which will compare 3 different dose levels of Cogane to placebo (a pill that is not actual study drug). This is a study for people who are not on treatment for PD and do not expect to need treatment for the 6 months during the study.
Evaluating Enriched Forms of Exercise for Balance Disorders in PD
This study will compare an enriched form of group exercise (dance) to more traditional physical therapy. You may be eligible for this study if you have been diagnosed with PD for 3 years or more, and you feel unsteady on your feet or stumble occasionally.
Testing a New Sensor System for Assessing Movements
This study is testing a new device which is a wireless electronic sensor worn on the forearms. It is designed to help neurologists assess motor symptoms of patients with PD. You may be eligible for this study if you have been diagnosed with PD, you are taking carbidopa-levodopa, and you experience on/off periods during the day.
Evaluating the Effect of Coenzyme Q10 in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is an atypical Parkinsonian syndrome. This study is being conducted to evaluate whether the study drug, Coenzyme Q10, is able to slow the progression of PSP. You may be eligible for this study if you have been diagnosed with PSP within 5 years.
Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Motor and Mood Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
We are investigating the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a method of noninvasive brain stimulation, in the treatment of the motor and mood symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease who suffer from mood symptoms (depression) may be eligible. For more information, please contact Zachary Gray at 617-667-0226.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Improve Cognitive, Mood, and Motor Function in Parkinson’s disease
We are investigating the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a method of noninvasive brain stimulation, as an additional therapy in Parkinson’s disease. Patients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and who are over the age of 40 may be eligible. For more information, please contact Zachary Gray at 617-667-0226.
Determine Your Eligibility and Ask Questions
To determine your eligibility and ask any questions you may have, please contact Althea Silver, RN, BSN, MPH at pdresearch@bidmc.harvard.edu or 617-667-9885. There is no cost to you for study visits or study-related care.
Contact Information
Althea Silver, MPH, BSN, RN, Research Coordinator
Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Shapiro Clinical Center, 809D
330 Brookline Ave
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-667-9885
Email: pdresearch@bidmc.harvard.edu
Web: www.bidmc.org/pdcenter
