DALLAS — March 31, 2007 — Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are seeking patients to participate in medical studies for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and low-back pain. All clinical trials are approved by UT Southwestern’s Institutional Review Board, which reviews them for benefits, risks, side effects and informed consent.

Parkinson’s

UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers are enrolling patients with Parkinson’s disease to determine if creatine, normally used as a nutritional supplement, can slow the progression of the disease. Study participants will receive either creatine or a placebo and must not take creatine outside the study during the trial. The investigators will measure quality of life, ability to walk and cognitive function. Participants must have early Parkinson’s for less than five years and must have been taking dopaminergic drugs for at least three months, but less than two years. For more information, contact Allison Johnson at 214-648-3329 or allison.johnson@utsouthwestern.edu.

Alzheimer’s

Omega-3 fatty acids, long endorsed as components of a heart-healthy diet, are now being studied to see whether they can protect the brain as well. Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center are seeking people 50 years of age and older with mild Alzheimer’s disease for an 18-month clinical trial to test whether an omega-3 fatty acid called DHA can inhibit the progression of Alzheimer’s. Participants will undergo cognitive and physical tests. For more information, call 214-648-9358.

Low-back pain

Patients with acute low-back pain may be eligible for a new research study at UT Southwestern Medical Center investigating treatments for the condition. Eligible participants must have experienced low-back pain for the first time, for 10 weeks or less. Those who are screened be compensated for their time spent completing the forms. Study participants qualified for a more extensive pre-treatment evaluation will receive additional payment. For more information, call 214-645-8741.

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More clinical trials

Media Contact: Katherine Morales
214-648-3404
e-mail: katherine.morales@utsouthwestern.edu

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