National Parkinson's disease trial launched at University Hospitals Dorset

A UK-wide clinical trial funded by the National Institute for Health Research and sponsored by the University of Bristol which aims to prevent falls in people with Parkinson's has recently opened its doors at the University Hospitals Dorset.

The CHIEF-PD trial will investigate whether the repurposing of a drug called rivastigmine, currently used to treat dementia, can reduce the number of falls. Participants will get the opportunity to attend two study assessments twelve months apart at the hospital clinic, or they can choose to attend from home using video calls. The CHIEF-PD trial is among the first in the UK to deliver the medication directly to the participant's home.

Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disease causes damage to parts of the brain, which gets worse over time. The illness is often recognised as shaking, slowness of movement, freezing of movement and muscle stiffness. Falls are a very frequent complication of the disease affecting 60% of people with Parkinson's every year. These falls can be devastating, sometimes resulting in broken bones and hospital admissions. Falls can also lead people to lose confidence in their ability to get around, meaning they can become more isolated and anxious.

Dr Emily Henderson, is a senior lecturer at the University of Bristol and Honorary Consultant Geriatrician at the University of Bristol is leading the research study. Dr Henderson says: "This is a new time for clinical trials, and we are excited to be able to offer appointments in a more patient-centred way".

This research will provide definitive evidence as to the role of these drugs for falls. We are working hard to tackle one of the most disabling complications of Parkinson's and, if successful, this treatment will improve the lives of people living with Parkinson's now and has the potential to be tested in other groups of patients who are at high risk of falling."

Commenting on the news, Rochelle Hernandez, senior research nurse at University Hospitals Dorset, said she is "delighted" the trust is part of the CHIEF-PD trial. "It is relevant to our patient population here in Dorset, and gives them the opportunity to be part of research. The trial has been carefully adapted during the pandemic which means we can conduct it remotely if needed and in this way enable us to continue to support it while making sure priority is given to keep our patients safe."

Trial participants are given patches to place on the skin which contain either an active drug or a placebo (dummy) treatment. Neither the researchers nor the participants know who has been given the active drug or placebo until the end of the trial. Participants are asked to record any falls that they experience in diaries that they post back to the trial team, each month for a year. The study aims to recruit 600 participants.

If you have Parkinson's disease and are interested in being involved in the study for further information, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., telephone: 0117 428 3133 or visit the website.

Or get in touch with the UHD team directly by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone: 0300 019 5136.