CHIEF-PD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
CHIEF-PD (CHolinesterase Inhibitor to prEvent Falls in Parkinson’s Disease): A phase 3 randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of rivastigmine to prevent falls in Parkinson’s disease
IRAS ID
235625
Contact name
Dr Emily Henderson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Eudract number
2018-003219-23
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
Parkinson’s disease is a common condition particularly affecting older people. Falls are a very frequent complication of the disease affecting 60% of people with Parkinson’s every year. As the population ages, the number of people living with Parkinson’s disease and the occurrence of complications will increase. The loss of the chemical dopamine in the brain causes walking in Parkinson’s to become slower, unsteady and irregular. People with the condition are therefore at a very high risk of falling. To some extent, people can compensate for these changes by paying more attention to their walking. However, Parkinson’s also diminishes memory and thinking ability. This decreases people’s ability to pay attention to their walking, especially when doing something at the same time. \n\nCholinesterase inhibitor (ChEis) are drugs that are currently used to treat people with memory problems in Parkinson’s. The effect of these drugs on falls in Parkinson’s has been tested to show that treatment has the potential to almost halve the number of falls. \nThis trial aims to definitively determine whether cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEi), can prevent falls in Parkinson’s and whether this treatment is cost effective. 600 participants with Parkinson’s disease will be enrolled from hospitals throughout the UK. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the drug (ChEi) via a patch or receive a placebo (dummy) treatment via a patch. \n\nNeither the researchers nor the participants will know which group they are in. Participants will take the medication for 12 months and record any falls that they experience in diaries. If successful, this treatment in Parkinson’s disease, it would tackle one of the most disabling complications of the disease and positive findings will provide robust evidence to change clinical practice.\n
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SW/0043
Date of REC Opinion
17 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion