San Diego

Researchers at UC San Diego exploring an experimental treatment for Parkinson’s disease are looking for people age 35 to 79 with early stages of Parkinson’s to participate in a controlled study of two drugs that may slow the disease’s progression.

The study, to determine whether the drugs deprenyl and tocopherol will protect brain cells from deterioration, is part of a five-year, federally funded project involving 800 patients in the United States and Canada. UCSD Medical Center is one of 28 participating centers and will enroll 20 patients.

Parkinson’s disease affects about 1 million people in North America and about 2% of the population over age 60. Roughly 61,000 working people become unemployed each year because of a disability associated with the disease, UCSD officials said.

The disease, a progressively disabling neurologic disorder, is linked to the deterioration of brain cells that produce the chemical dopamine. Drugs used against Parkinson’s today reduce the symptoms, but they do not cure the disease and have side effects.

Deprenyl and tocopherol (a form of vitamin E) appear to protect cells from the destructive effects of enzymes released during the onset of Parkinson’s. Earlier research suggests that the two drugs may thus postpone the need to prescribe other drugs to counter the symptoms.

Participants in the study, who must not be under treatment with traditional drugs for the disease, will be randomly assigned to one of four groups--receiving deprenyl, tocopherol, both or a placebo. They will be evaluated by Parkinson’s specialists every three months.

People interested in participating in the study in the San Diego area may call coordinator Mary Pay at 543-5306. Information on other centers can be obtained by calling 800-223-3117.