ResearchCLINICALTRIALSToday
Researchers completed a large study of 13,770 patients with chronic inflammatory diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions) to understand how COVID-19 affected them. The study, led by a hospital in France, was designed to track whether patients taking medications for their autoimmune diseases had worse outcomes if they caught COVID-19. This trial has now finished collecting data.
WHY IT MATTERSIf you have an autoimmune or inflammatory disease, this completed trial provides real-world evidence about COVID-19 risk in your population—information that can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about infection prevention and disease management.
ResearchRSSApr 27
A new study found that women with Parkinson's disease are much less likely than men to choose a brain surgery called deep brain stimulation (DBS). The main reason is that women often worry about being a burden on their family and don't have as much support available to help them through the procedure and recovery.
WHY IT MATTERSIf you're a woman with Parkinson's considering DBS, understanding that support concerns are common may help you have more honest conversations with your doctor and family about what you actually need to move forward with treatment.
AdvocacyRSSApr 27
Parkinson's disease can cause hallucinations—seeing or hearing things that aren't really there—especially as the disease progresses or with certain medications. This article shares practical tips for family members and caregivers on how to respond calmly when a loved one experiences hallucinations and how to redirect them to safer, calmer activities.
WHY IT MATTERSHallucinations affect many people with Parkinson's disease and can be frightening for both patients and caregivers, so learning evidence-based strategies to manage these moments can reduce distress and improve quality of life for the whole family.
NewsRSSApr 27
People taking Parkinson's medications often struggle with 'pill fatigue'—the burden of taking many pills throughout the day. A psychologist explains how this challenge affects patients and shares strategies to help manage medications more easily and stick with treatment plans.
WHY IT MATTERSParkinson's patients taking multiple medications daily may skip doses or stop treatment due to pill burden, which can worsen symptoms—understanding this challenge helps patients and doctors work together on solutions.
NewsRSSApr 24
A person with Parkinson's disease shares their experience living well with the condition after receiving deep brain stimulation surgery. They started a weekly walking group three years ago to stay active and connected with others. The article focuses on practical tips and lifestyle strategies for managing Parkinson's disease day-to-day.
WHY IT MATTERSThis firsthand account demonstrates how deep brain stimulation combined with regular physical activity and social engagement can help people with Parkinson's disease maintain quality of life and independence.
Clinical trialRSSApr 24
A new experimental drug called tavapadon from AbbVie helped people with early Parkinson's disease delay or avoid starting levodopa, which is the standard treatment for this condition. In a completed Phase 3 trial called TEMPO-4, most people taking tavapadon long-term did not need to start levodopa, and those already taking it didn't need to increase their dose. This suggests tavapadon could be a helpful new option for managing early Parkinson's symptoms.
WHY IT MATTERSIf approved, tavapadon could allow people with early Parkinson's to delay levodopa therapy, potentially postponing side effects that come with long-term use of this standard medication.
NewsRSSApr 24
Some people with Parkinson's disease experience hallucinations or false beliefs, which is called psychosis. However, sudden changes in thinking or behavior might actually be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI) rather than Parkinson's itself. Learning to tell the difference between these two conditions helps doctors give the right treatment.
WHY IT MATTERSParkinson's patients experiencing sudden confusion or hallucinations need to know that a UTI could be the culprit—and treating the infection might resolve symptoms without changing Parkinson's medications.