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“I feel like there is hope, great hope, more hope now than ever before.” –Peggy Willocks, Diagnosed 14 years

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Recently Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease?

If you have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) understanding the disease, and learning about the resources available to you, are good first steps.

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Laser Light Cues for Gait Freezing in Parkinson's Disease

Official Study Title: An Open Label Study to Assess the Efficacy  EfficacyThe extent to which a specific intervention, procedure, or regimen produces a beneficial result under ideal conditions. of Visual Cues in the Form of the Laser Cane or the U-Step Walker with Laser Accessory in Parkinson's Disease  Parkinson's DiseaseA chronic, slowly progressive disease of the nervous system characterized by the combination of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and stooped posture, among other symptoms. Patients Who Experience Freezing of Gait
Sponsor: Beth Israel Medical Center
Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT00320242
Study ID:

Summary

People who are affected with Parkinson's disease (PD) may sometimes experience freezing of gait,  GaitWay of walking, which is diminished in people with Parkinson’s who tend to shuffle their feet, take too short steps, and not swing one or both arms. a problem that affects the ability to walk. This symptom can affect quality of life in individuals and interfere with daily activities. This study aims to provide information about the laser cane and laser walker, devices that have been used by people who experience freezing of gait. Researchers for this study will examine the effectiveness  EffectivenessAbility of a drug or treatment to produce a result. of the laser cane or the laser walker in aiding with episodes of falls and gait freezing. After recording clinical  ClinicalDealing with or based on observation and treatment of people, as opposed to basic science carried out in the laboratory or in animals. observations, they will seek to clarify unanswered questions about the success of the laser cane or the laser walker as treatment options.

Study Phase

Phase 3
What is a study phase?

Symptoms Addressed: Movement Symptoms

Walking/Gait, Freeze Attacks  Freeze AttacksThe sudden loss of ability to move.

Time Commitment

  • Less than six months
  • 3 visits within two or three months

Eligibility

  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Gender(s) Accepted: Either

Inclusion Criteria

  • Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
  • Able to walk and to use a cane or walker for at least 50% of the time when walking. If a wheelchair is used part-time, it must be used for less than 50% of the time

Exclusion Criteria

  • Presence of atypical features suggestive of a neurological disorder other than Parkinson's disease
  • People who are wheel-chair dependent more than 50% of the time
  • People who have had a history of syncope (brief loss of consciousness) in the 6 months prior to screening
  • People with moderate or advanced dementia  DementiaA decline in higher-level brain functions, such as memory, reasoning and personality. (decline in thinking capacity)

Enrollment

Expected Enrollment: 36 (US)
Date Enrollment Began: Apr 01 2006
Last Updated Date: Sep 22 2006
Trial Post Date: Sep 22 2006
Website: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00320242?order=1

Primary Contacts and Locations

Massachusetts


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