Patients with Parkinson disease demonstrate differential responses between “expensive” and “cheap” placebos.
In general, we believe that more expensive is better, such as with wine. This expectation can affect our patients' response to medications. To assess this, researchers conducted a double-blind study involving 12 patients (75% men; mean age, 62) with moderate to severe Parkinson disease (PD) and motor fluctuations (excellent response to levodopa but relatively functional “off” state).
The patients were first tested for their levodopa response and were then told that they would be administered a subcutaneous “novel injectable dopamine agonist” (i.e., saline) in two formulations (cheap and expensive) that were believed to be of similar efficacy. After 4 hours, subjects were given the other substance. Assessments included tapping and motor tests…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)