(BPT) - When Tony Hindhaugh was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 55, he learned that there are currently no approved therapies that slow the progression of the disease. Current treatments focus primarily on managing symptoms of the progressive brain disorder, leaving patients and families hoping for new options.
That's why he was interested in NEULARK, a new study for people with early Parkinson's who haven't started medication for their symptoms yet.
"My Parkinson's symptoms are very mild. At present, the tremor is the only thing that gives it away," said Hindhaugh. "It hasn't interrupted anything in my life, but it has made me think and slow down a bit."
Although Hindhaugh's symptoms are currently mild, Parkinson's is a progressive disease, meaning symptoms can worsen over time. Researchers are now studying whether new treatments could slow that progression, particularly when started in the early stages of the disease. That is why it is so important for patients recently diagnosed with Parkinson's and their families to understand their options early.
What is Parkinson's disease, and what are the early signs?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and can cause symptoms that gradually change over time. While the disease affects everyone differently, early signs may include a slight tremor in the hand or fingers, stiffness, slower movement, changes in handwriting or difficulties with balance. Some people may also experience non-movement symptoms, such as changes in sleep, sense of smell or mood.
Because these early symptoms can be subtle, they may initially go unnoticed or be mistaken for normal signs of aging. Recognizing these changes and speaking with a healthcare provider can be an important first step toward diagnosis and exploring available care and research opportunities.
Parkinson's disease affects millions of people worldwide, and scientists today are learning more about the biological differences that may contribute to Parkinson's, opening the door to developing treatments matched to the specific cause of a person's disease.
Research with a new focus
One area of growing interest involves a protein called LRRK2 (pronounced "lark two"). Proteins act like tiny machines in our bodies. In some individuals, LRRK2 works too hard and may lead to the build-up of damaged proteins that can harm brain cells.
"LRRK2 is a protein normally found in our bodies and is very important in normal cellular processes," explained Dr. Danielle Larson, a movement disorders specialist and NEULARK trial investigator. "The LRRK2 protein can be overactive in certain individuals, and we know this LRRK2 protein pathway overactivity is found in approximately 30% of people with Parkinson's disease."
Researchers in the Phase 2 NEULARK clinical trial are studying whether inhibiting this LRRK2 protein could slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, rather than focusing solely on managing symptoms.
What makes this research different?
This study is exploring a more personalized approach to Parkinson's research. One of the challenges in treating Parkinson's disease is that the underlying causes can differ from person to person. In the NEULARK study, researchers are using genetic screening to identify people who may have increased LRRK2 activity and could be more likely to benefit from a medicine designed to target that pathway. This approach allows researchers to study a potential treatment in a specific group of patients based on the biology of their disease.
Importantly, people interested in the study do not need to know their genetic status beforehand. The screening process begins with a simple at-home saliva test, available at no cost, to determine whether they may be eligible to participate.
"As clinicians and researchers, we know Parkinson's disease is not a one-size-fits-all condition," said Dr. Larson. "This is why it's important to understand more about the underlying biological drivers of Parkinson's. By understanding this more, we would be able to develop more targeted therapeutics."
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who may be eligible for the trial? The trial is seeking people between ages 40 and 80 who have been diagnosed with early Parkinson's disease, have not yet started medications to manage Parkinson's symptoms, and are not expected to need these medications within the next 12 months. Eligible participants will need to meet the trial's genetic screening and other eligibility requirements.
- How does the genetic testing work? Interested individuals can access investigational genetic testing at no cost to help determine whether they may qualify for the trial. The screening process begins with a simple at-home saliva test, making it easier to explore potential eligibility without an initial trip to a clinical trial site.
- How is technology being used in the trial? NEULARK is using innovative smartphone-based technology to help researchers measure how Parkinson's symptoms change over time. Participants will receive a smartphone equipped with specialized software to complete daily activities that measure movement, tremors and aspects of thinking and memory. Because Parkinson's symptoms can fluctuate throughout the day, these more frequent measurements may help researchers capture changes that could be missed during scheduled clinic visits.
- How can people learn more? NEULARK is currently enrolling participants and recruitment for the trial is expected to conclude in the coming months. This makes now an important time to explore whether you or a loved one may qualify. Learn more about the study, eligibility requirements and free genetic screening at NEULARK.com.
"Participation in clinical trials is really important for our ability to understand more about Parkinson's disease, its underlying biology and to understand if specific therapeutics and development are going to be safe and effective," said Dr. Larson.
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, visit NEULARK.com to learn more about the study, eligibility and genetic screening at no cost.
