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These researchers report a 3-month trial of high-dose methylphenidate, an amphetamine relative, to treat advanced Parkinson disease (PD).
They studied 17 patients with severe PD as evidenced by prior placement of a subthalamic nucleus stimulator to correct severe motor fluctuations and dyskinesia. All had persistent gait disorders despite optimal titration of stimulation parameters and of dopaminergic therapy (including levodopa, dopamine agonists, and catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors). Evaluators, blinded to treatment, used validated measures like the Stand-Walk-Sit (SWS) test and the United Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) to assess each patient in four conditions: off and on levodopa both before methylphenidate treatment a…