Anti-hypertensive drugs as disease-modifying agents for Parkinson’s disease: evidence from observational studies and clinical trials
Abstract Background Current treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is focused on relieving symptoms, at present there is nothing that is widely accepted to halt or slow disease progression. Potential neuroprotective or disease modifying agents have been identified from preclinical studies. One such group of compounds are anti-hypertensive drugs. Objectives 1) Do anti-hypertensive drugs prevent the onset […]
Helicobacter pylori eradication for Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Levodopa is the mainstay of treatment for alleviating the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. However, patients often experience fluctuations in their symptoms over time and ‘wearing off’ which may be partly related to variable absorption of the drug. There is some evidence that treatment of the common gastrointestinal infection Helicobacter pylori (H […]
Exercise for improving balance in older people
Abstract Background In older adults, diminished balance is associated with reduced physical functioning and an increased risk of falling. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2007. Objectives To examine the effects of exercise interventions on balance in older people, aged 60 and over, living in the community or in institutional […]
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as disease-modifying agents for Parkinson’s disease: evidence from observational studies
Abstract Background Neuroinflammation may play a key role in the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be beneficial in the primary and secondary prevention of PD. Objectives 1) Do NSAIDs prevent the onset of PD? 2) Are NSAIDs neuroprotective in PD – do they slow the progression of disease once PD is […]
Pharmacological treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children with comorbid tic disorders
Abstract Background Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent of the comorbid psychiatric disorders that complicate tic disorders. Medications commonly used to treat ADHD symptoms include the stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine; nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine; tricyclic antidepressants; and alpha agonists. Due to the impact of ADHD symptoms on the child with tic disorder, […]
Dopamine agonists for the treatment of restless legs syndrome
Abstract Background According to clinical guidelines, dopamine agonists are the first-line treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Objectives To evaluate efficacy and safety of dopamine agonists for RLS. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 4), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL, from January 1985 to December […]
Levodopa for the treatment of restless legs syndrome
Abstract Background Levodopa plus dopamine decarboxylase inhibitor is a common treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS). Objectives To evaluate efficacy and safety of levodopa for RLS compared to placebo and other active agents. Search methods We searched CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 4), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL, from January 1985 to December 2008, […]
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of adjuvant treatment to levodopa therapy in Parkinson´s disease patients with motor complications
Abstract Background One of the complications of long-term treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with levodopa is the development of motor complications. Generally, when motor complications develop, clinicians add in an additional drug (to the levodopa regimen) from one of three other classes of anti-Parkinsonian treatments (dopamine agonists, catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors (COMTIs) or monoamine oxidase type […]
Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors versus other dopaminergic agents in early Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background It has been postulated that monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors alter disease progression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) but trials have produced conflicting results. Objectives To assess the effectiveness and safety of long-term use of MAO-B inhibitors compared with other dopaminergic agents in early PD. Search methods We searched several electronic databases including: the […]
Cannabinoids for Tourette’s Syndrome
Abstract Background Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS) is a developmental neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by the presence of chronic motor and phonic tics. Drugs currently used in the treatment of GTS either lack efficacy or are associated with intolerable side effects. There is some anecdotal and experimental evidence that cannabinoids may be effective in treating […]