Findings
Houston, Texas
Volume 5, Issue 7
August 2007

Patient Studies

Volunteers needed for age-related macular degeneration study

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the National Eye Institute are seeking 4,000 volunteers between the ages of 50 and 85 who are diagnosed with the early stages of age-related macular degeneration in both eyes or have advanced AMD in at least one eye.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) will look at the effects of vitamins supplemented by lutein/zeaxanthin and/or omega-3 fatty acids on the progression of the disease. Lutein and zeaxanthin are plant-derived yellow pigments that accumulate in the area of the eye's retina that is responsible for central vision, the same area where people with AMD begin to lose sight. Omega-3 fatty acids are the active components found in fish oil and are lauded for their heart-health benefits.

This study builds on a previous NIH study – AREDS – that found high dosages of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper reduced the risk of developing advanced AMD by 25 percent and the risk of moderate vision loss by 19 percent.

Volunteers will be provided two initial eye examinations followed by annual examinations for five years. All medications and daily multivitamins will be free of charge. Some people in the study will receive the active forms of the vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Others will receive an inactive form called a placebo. Results from the groups will then be compared at the end of the study.

AREDS2 is sponsored by the National Eye Institute. To enroll in the study or for more information call 713-798-1501. The National Eye Institute's information line is 1-877-273-3780.

Parkinson's study investigates benefits of creatine

Baylor College of Medicine is one of 52 sites across the United States and Canada testing the ability of the investigational drug creatine to slow the clinical decline associated with Parkinson's disease.

A naturally occurring substance produced by the body, creatine is commonly used as an over-the-counter weight-training supplement. The study in which BCM is involved is designed to determine if it can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.

In this study, some of the patients will take creatine and others will take a sugar pill, or placebo. Then doctors will follow the progress of participants for a minimum of five years. They will perform physical exams on them, test their thinking ability as well as evaluate their mood and quality of life. The results for each group will be compared.

Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, M.D., assistant professor of neurology at BCM, will lead the local creatine study.

In patients with Parkinson's disease, brain cells or neurons that produce a chemical called dopamine die off gradually. Without enough dopamine, patients experience symptoms such as tremors, muscle rigidity, balance problems and slowness. Currently doctors try to ease patients' symptoms by treating the disease with drugs that boost the amount of dopamine or help the brain to make the best use of the dopamine that is present.

Patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease within the last five years and who are being treated for the disease may be eligible for the study. For more information, contact Sharon Halton at 713-798-3974.