Newsbriefs: Parkinson’s Drug; Exercise to Reduce Falls

FDA approves extended release Parkinson’s drug.

Carbidopa-levidopa (Rytary) has been approved in extended-release capsule formulation for treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The capsules, available since February in four strengths, are designed with a 1:4 ratio of the drugs. They can be swallowed whole, or opened and sprinkled on applesauce for immediate consumption. U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval was based on positive results of three phase 3 studies of patients with early and advanced PD. The studies showed significant improvements in “off” time during waking hours, and also increased “on” time without dyskinesia (movement disorders) during waking hours. Rytary was designed to reduce the amount of time during the day when PD patients’ symptoms are not adequately controlled, said a spokesman for the drug manufacturer.

Exercise reduces falls by 70% in patients with early Parkinson’s disease.

A recent study showed that three 40- to 60-minute weekly exercise sessions can improve balance, mobility, and quality of life for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, and reduce falls by 70 percent. PD is triggered by damaged neurons in the area of the brain that controls movement, causing dyskinesia (impaired movement), and impaired balance and coordination. As a result more than half of patients with PD experience at least one fall annually, and about two-thirds of patients fall more frequently. In the study, the exercise program consisted of balance and leg-strengthening exercises recommended by a physical therapist, mostly performed at home. Subjects who participated in the exercise program reported a lesser fear of falling and a better overall quality of life, in addition to better balance and mobility. The study was published online in the journal Neurology on Dec. 31, 2014.

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