The Role of Clinical Trials in Parkinson’s Disease

Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing treatments for Parkinson’s disease, especially as there is still no cure and much about the disease remains unknown. As the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide, Parkinson’s will impact approximately 1 in 37 people in the UK over their lifetime, making continued research essential.

With nearly five decades of experience in managing clinical trials across all development phases, from early to late-stage, Simbec-Orion has become a leader in the field. In this article, we delve deeper into Parkinson’s disease, exploring how World Parkinson’s Day helps to raise awareness, and highlighting the crucial role of clinical trials.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that gradually damages certain areas of the brain over many years. It affects the nervous system, specifically impacting movement, and worsens over time.

The disease is caused by the loss of nerve cells in a brain region called the substantia nigra, which leads to a decrease in dopamine levels. Dopamine is a crucial chemical responsible for regulating body movement, and its reduction disrupts normal motor function.

What are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s?

Symptoms of Parkinson’s are often subtle and may go unnoticed, but the NHS highlights these main indicators:

  • Slow movement
  • Stiff muscles
  • Tremors

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease may also experience a variety of additional physical and psychological symptoms, including:

  • Loss of smell
  • Depression 
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Memory issues 

As the condition progresses, the symptoms of the disease can worsen, and it can become increasingly difficult to continue with everyday activities without assistance. Parkinson’s doesn’t directly cause death, however, it can place a lot of strain on the body and make some people more susceptible to serious infections.

Who is Affected?

The likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease increases with age, however in some rare cases, it can affect people as young as 20

The majority of people with the disease begin to show signs when they are over 50, however some people may experience the first symptoms when they are under 40. Men are also more likely to be affected than women.

 

World Parkinson’s Day 2025

World Parkinson’s Day is observed annually on 11th April to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and support those living with the condition. The day is marked by a global alliance of organisations dedicated to ending Parkinson’s disease.

The event aims to raise awareness by sharing information and knowledge about the realities of living with Parkinson’s disease, as well as its impact on friends, families, and communities. You can donate, participate in events, or raise money to help with further research into the disease. 

The History of World Parkinson’s Day

World Parkinson’s Day was established by Parkinson’s Europe (originally called the European Parkinson’s Disease Association or EPDA) in 1997. The event was co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

The reason World Parkinson’s Day takes place on 11th April is to commemorate the birthday of Dr. James Parkinson (1755–1824), the doctor after whom the disease is named. He first identified Parkinson’s as a medical condition in 1817.

Objectives of World Parkinson’s Day

The main objectives of World Parkinson’s Day are:

  • Education – informing the public about Parkinson’s is important in raising awareness, as well as educating people about potential signs and symptoms to look out for.
  • Break the stigma – the campaign aims to break the stigma around the disease, and lead the call to fund medical breakthroughs.
  • Raise the money – while its main aim is to increase understanding and reduce stigma, many organisations and advocacy groups also use the day as an opportunity to fundraise.

The Importance of Clinical Trials for Parkinson’s

Clinical trials provide researchers with valuable insights into the human body and the causes of Parkinson’s disease. The results from these trials offer hope for new treatments that could significantly improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s.

Current Parkinson’s treatments primarily manage symptoms and maintain quality of life without halting disease progression. Clinical trials are essential for testing new drugs and therapies that could improve or even slow the progression of the disease, aiming for more than just symptom management.

Clinical trials can determine whether a new treatment is safe and effective. Before new medications or therapies reach the general public, they undergo rigorous testing in clinical trials to ensure they are both effective and have manageable side effects.  The trials proceed in phases, each designed to help scientists answer these key questions.

Clinical Trials at Simbec-Orion

Simbec-Orion offers full clinical trial management services, from patient recruitment to data processing. Specialising in Phases I, II, and III of clinical trials, Simbec-Orion can design and deliver clinical development projects tailored to meet your specific needs.

With almost 50 years of experience in CRO services, the Simbec-Orion team partners with global clients to effectively manage clinical trials, serving as an essential extension of their teams. For more information on the services offered, get in touch via the contact form. 

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