OHSU RESEARCH STUDY RECRUITING Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the past three years and have not started any medication for your symptoms? Purpose: While there are many treatments available for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, there is currently not any medication known to slow the progression of PD. The purpose of this study is to see if a new drug is safe, effective, and well tolerated in slowing the progression of PD in people who have been recently diagnosed. Right now the study drug is not approved for treatment of PD because we don’t know enough about it. Participation Requirements: In order to participate in the study you must have been diagnosed with PD in the past three years and were at least age 30 at the time of your diagnosis. With the exception of a stable dose of rasagiline/Azilect or selegiline/ Eldepryl/Zelapar, you must not be taking any medication for your PD symptoms and do not expect to begin taking medication
for your symptoms for at least three months after your first study visit. You also must not have a history of gout, heart attack, or stroke. There will be a total of approximately 15 study visits over 2 1/2 years. The study drug is a pill taken by mouth between one and six times daily. At most, two capsules are taken three times per day. Participants will be randomized (like the flip of a coin) to receive either the study drug or identical placebo for the entire length of the study. A placebo is a drug that looks like the study drug but has no real medicine in it. Neither the participant nor the study doctor can choose whether study drug or placebo is assigned. While in the study, participants will be able to begin taking medication for their PD symptoms. You can continue being in the study even after these medications are started. Eligible participants will receive study-related evaluations, laboratory tests, and the study drug at no cost. Participants will be compensated for their time and transportation. For more information please contact Eric Serres at (503) 494-0276 or serres@ohsu.edu. eIRB #15480
BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRO is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community members with an interest and passion for serving the PD community. Officers: Ian Smethurst Board President
Lucien Burke, M.D 1st Vice President
Greg Moore Treasurer
Kristin Whitney Secretary
Directors at Large: Greg Chaille Susan Flad George Gregores Hank Grootendorst Gerald Hulsman Barney Hyde Larry Jacobson Paul Labby Ryland Moore Kay Parr Joseph Quinn, MD Richard Rosenbaum, MD Justin N. Smith Kelly Sweeney Peggy Wood
DRIVING TIPS ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR OWN DRIVING ABILITY OR THAT OF A LOVED ONE? YOU CAN FIND LOTS OF INFORMATION ON HOW TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE AT THE OREGON DMV “DRIVERS 50+” WEBSITE AT WWW.OREGONDMV.COM.
Stopping driving is often much more complicated than just hanging up the keys. Without ready access to transportation, PwP (and families) need to consider ways that they will still remain active in the community, get to social gatherings, shop, and run other errands. Granted, larger towns and cities will have more options for supported transportation but with a little creativity, diligence and pre-planning, most people can find ways to meet their basic needs. Ideas to Explore: Call your local Senior Center and ask what services they can refer you to If there is a bus system in your community, explore curbside service The Area Agencies on Aging (800)282-8096 can help connect you with local service providers Friends, neighbors and family are usually very happy to help – especially with some advance notice Taxi, Uber and Lyft may all be great in a pinch as well. Yes, there is a fee, but remember, driving your own vehicle isn’t free either! If you need help exploring resources or talking about this sometimes tricky issue, please call the PRO Helpline at 800.426.6806. JULY/AUGUST 2016
MORE INFO! (800) 426-6806 - WWW.PARKINSONSRESOURCES.ORG
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