Parkinson’s Disease is commonly known for its violent tremors and overall impairment of patients’ coordination and movement. This neurological disease belongs to a group of conditions that result in the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, greatly affecting patients’ fine and gross motor skills and their ability to swallow and chew, while also potentially causing urinary problems or constipation and sleep disruption.
Although commonly defined by its physiological symptoms, Parkinson’s Disease also affects the brain and can create quite terrifying symptoms for those who suffer from this disease.
Hallucinations with Parkinson’s Disease
Parkison’s Disease Psychosis, or PDP, is a form of Parkinson’s that results in the development of hallucinations and delusions; it occurs in as many as 50% of patients with this illness. People experiencing these symptoms are subject to hearing or seeing things that are not there and may also suffer from false beliefs that are contrary to reality or fact.
Hallucinations and delusions can be painfully disturbing and debilitating, impairing thoughts and emotions to the point where the patient can no longer relate to the outside world and can become a danger to themselves.
Understanding the seriousness of these symptoms, doctors have worked very hard in finding and creating a medicine that specifically treats hallucinations and delusions for those with PDP. The FDA has approved and released Nuplazid, the first drug ever to treat these symptoms.
The New Treatment Option for PDP
This anti-psychotic is atypical from its counterparts in that it is specifically designed for patients with Parkison’s, managing serotonin and dopamine levels within the brain to help diminish hallucinations and delusions without worsening or affecting the primary motor symptoms of Parkison’s Disease.
The effectiveness of Nuplazid was tested in a six-week trial consisting of 199 participants. Nuplazid significantly reduced psychosis and remained consistently effective throughout the trial. Nuplazid also showed signs of highly successful qualities in increasing sleep and wakefulness.
Nuplazid Pill Bottle
Due to its success in the trials and the absolute need for PDP treatment, Nuplazid became part of programs that aim to expedite medications that demonstrate substantial improvement over available therapy. It also received priority review from the FDA, an offer that only occurs when a drug indicates a significant improvement in the safety or effectiveness for the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of a serious condition.
Nuplazid marks a significant milestone and serves as hope for an improved lifestyle for those suffering from PDP. It provides an opportunity for patients to take back control over their mind and body and live a life that is not consumed by disease.
