PD is a degenerative disorder of the brain in which patients develop symptoms such as progressive tremor, slowness of movements, and stiffness of muscles. It affects at least one million people in the United States. Although certain drugs, such as levodopa, can reduce the symptoms of PD, there are no proven treatments that can slow the progressive deterioration in function.

Creatine is marketed as a nutritional supplement. Studies have suggested that it can improve the function of mitochondria, which produce energy inside cells. It also may act as an antioxidant that prevents damage from compounds that are harmful to cells in the brain. In a mouse model of PD, creatine is able to prevent loss of the cells that are typically affected.

"Creatine, or any compound that may slow the progression of PD, could have very important long-term benefits for people who are living with this disease," says John R. Marler, M.D., NINDS associate director for clinical trials.

The study will enroll people who have been diagnosed with PD within the past five years and who have been treated for two years or less with levodopa or other drugs that increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Many of the symptoms of PD result from the loss of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps to control movement. Half of the participants will receive creatine and half will receive a placebo. Neither the participants nor their doctors will know which treatment they receive.

"We are studying a stage of the disease that usually hasn't been included in clinical studies," notes Dr. Kieburtz. The study is designed to include a broad range of people, with special efforts
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Contact: Margo Warren
warrenm@ninds.nih.gov
301-496-5924
NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
22-Mar-2007