Researchers have been working for years to find a cure for both Parkinson’s disease and dyskinesia. Dyskinesia is a condition that causes uncontrolled, involuntary movement that can develop as a result of taking levodopa—Parkinson’s medication—over a long period of time. Medical experts and researchers are continually studying new medications that could reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with dyskinesia. Read on for some new and innovative options for treating Parkinson’s-related dyskinesia:
1. NLX-112 (Befiradol)
An innovative drug therapy, known as NLX-112 (or Befiradol), may reduce symptoms of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. In order to fast-track the process of developing this new NLX-112 medication, collaborations have been set up between drug companies in France, the U.S., and a charity from the U.K. The drug reached the 2nd phase in clinical trials in 2020. This treatment should hopefully be available for commercial use by the year 2023, once the final stage of trials in the preclinical stage is successful.
2. Wearable sensors
Wearable sensors to eliminate dyskinesia have been successful in helping patients to develop better sleep and fitness routines, as well as to track their weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. Researchers are also working on ways to develop these devices to monitor and track symptoms of Parkinson’s over long periods of time. In a recent study, limb functions of patients affected by Parkinson’s disease were monitored when they performed tasks over a period of time. The data from studies like these should hopefully help medical experts to understand and prevent the long term symptoms of dyskinesia sooner rather than later.
3. Ambulatory dyskinesia monitors
An ambulatory dyskinesia monitor is a portable device worn on the shoulder that measures symptoms of dyskinesia during the day. The device is used to track and plot data from patients in a variety of age groups. During one study, data was gathered from patients going about their normal daily activities. This data was then used to understand the difference in activity between those with dyskinetic activity and those without it. Data like this is useful in developing treatments for those with dyskinesia.
4. Wearable watches
A wearable watch is being developed with built in sensors that can monitor the movements of the wearer. If any dyskinesia related tremors are detected, the data can then be used to better plan treatment options. The recorded readings of tremors should also help individuals understand which scenarios trigger their episodes and avoid them. This watch is expected to help patients with Parkinson’s disease and all types of dyskinesia.
Around 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every year, and it is estimated that about two thirds of those will be affected by dyskinesia within the next 10 years. As such, innovative treatments will be imperative to helping these individuals manage their symptoms.
