New drug to relieve Parkinson's psychosis: Breakthrough could offer better quality of life for thousands who suffer …

Existing anti-psychotic drugs can make symptoms worse

By Jenny Hope

PUBLISHED: 21:04 EST, 31 October 2013 | UPDATED: 21:04 EST, 31 October 2013

Hope: The first treatment for hallucinations and delusions has been developed which dramatically improves sufferers' symptoms and quality of life

A new drug offers hope for tens of thousands of sufferers of Parkinsons, say researchers.

The first treatment for hallucinations and delusions has been developed which dramatically improves symptoms and quality of life.

Half of those with the degenerative brain disorder experience such symptoms but existing antipsychotic drugs can make them worse, increase the risk of stroke and be life-threatening.

The new drug called pimavanserin proved safe and effective in a trial of almost 200 patients, leading to improvements of more than a third in sufferers.

The drug also has potential for treating psychotic symptoms in diseases such as Alzheimers and other dementias.

Study leader Professor Clive Ballard from Kings College London said: Psychotic symptoms are common and distressing for people with Parkinsons and those caring for them.

Original post:
New drug to relieve Parkinson's psychosis: Breakthrough could offer better quality of life for thousands who suffer ...