New Parkinson's Treatment Studied

University researchers have shown in the first large-scale study of a skin patch to treat Parkinson's disease that the patch can be as effective as the traditional oral medication.

"Many groups are exploring new ways of delivering Parkinson's drugs, and this is the first to show success in a large study," said Karl Kieburtz, professor of neurology and a lead investigator of the study.

The silicone patch carries a dopamine agonist, a type of drug commonly used to treat the disease. The symptoms of Parkinson's, including tremors and stiff and slow movements, are caused by the death of brain cells that produce dopamine, a brain chemical that's key to controlling movement.

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