Pramipexole is a non-ergot dopamine agonist that has been used to treat Parkinson's for several years now. Researchers are now studying whether or not this drug has neuroprotective properties and if it could possibly be used to help treat depression in PD.
Before we get into the latest research I want to define what a 'non-ergot' vs. ergot dopamine agonist is. A dopamine agonist is a compound that binds directly to dopamine receptors in the brain and can help relieve symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. An ergot compound is one that is derived from the ergot fungus, while a non-ergot compound is not. Many of the older dopamine agonist drugs were ergot dopamine agonists and they have now been associated with an increased risk for valvular heart disease because of their ability to act on serotonin (5-HT) receptors within the heart. The non-ergot dopamine agonists are not associated with this risk and tend to be used more prevalently today. (Note: Do not start or stop taking any medications without talking to your doctor. The author of this blog is not a doctor and is not offering medical advice.)
Pramipexole has been used to treat the general symptoms of Parkinson's for several years. That fact is not what interested me in this drug though.
The fascinating part to me is that researchers are now testing if this drug has neuroprotective abilities which could thereby slow the clinical progression of Parkinson's. Obviously that would be wonderful news for the PD community. There is currently a study called PROUD (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119308.php) taking place in the UK that is examining this question of neuroprotection using pramipexole. I will be watching for the results from this study.
Other research into pramipexole's uses that intrigues me is the study of whether or not pramipexole is able to help treat depression in Parkinson's. Since depression is estimated in 40-60% of PD patients and about 50% of these patients do not respond to the usual anti-depressants, news of a dopamine agonist having a positive effect in this area would be great. Researchers are studying the effect on depression by pramipexole alone and also as adjunctive therapy along with another anti-depressant. I am particularly interested in depression in Parkinson's as research seems to note that people with PD and depression have a lesser quality of life than those that remain more optimistic.
Disclaimer: I felt I needed to add an additional disclaimer to this post. I am not a doctor or a scientist and am not offering medical advice in this blog. I am merely offering up information that can be used by the PD community in the hopes of helping others. Please consult your doctor about any medical treatment questions you have.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
1 comment:
i was diagnosed of parkinson disease 5 years ago,i started azilect,then mirapex as the disease progressed in february last year,and i started on parkinson disease herbal medicine from ultimate life clinic,few months into the treatment i made a significant recovery,almost all my symptoms are gone,great improvement with my movement and balance,it been a year and life has been so good for me,reach them through there website at www.ultimatelifeclinic.com
.
Post a Comment