Link between Parkinson’s drugs and compulsive behaviour to be
explored by new research
1 February 2008
The Parkinson’s Disease Society (PDS) has announced funding for
a large scale research project into compulsive behaviours linked to some drugs,
primarily dopamine agonists, prescribed
to control Parkinson’s symptoms
Compulsive behaviour such as extreme reliance on medication, an
uncontrollable addiction to gambling, sex, shopping and binge
eating could affect up to 14% of people with Parkinson’s taking
these drugs to manage their symptoms. This behaviour can be
devastating for peoples’ lives and relationships.
Although the link between Parkinson’s drugs and compulsive
behaviours has been known for several years, little is known about
why certain people are affected, what is happening in the brain to
prompt these compulsions and how they can be best treated.
The PDS has decided to commit a significant sum of £640,000 in a
joint collaborative research project led by Dr Paola Piccini
(Hammersmith Hospital, London) and Professor Anthony David (King’s
College London).
The research is in two parts.
Researchers at Hammersmith Hospital will use advanced scanning
technology to look at those brain functions thought to be
responsible for addiction and compulsive behaviour, to see if there
are differences in brain function between those with and without
compulsive behaviours.
Meanwhile, at King’s College, 40 patients and their carers
will have allocated to them a PD nurse specialist who will try to
work with them to develop more effective ways of managing their
symptoms. This will help us to understand why some
individuals with Parkinson’s may develop compulsive behaviours and
who might be at risk. This will allow clinicians to take this
into consideration when prescribing specific drugs. The study
will also lead to the development of more effective treatments.
The PDS strongly advises anyone who is anxious about their
medication or its side effects to discuss their concerns
immediately with their doctor or Parkinson’s nurse, or to call the
PDS freephone helpline on 0808 800 0303.
- email
-
Share