Could ritalin help Parkinson's patients walk better?
NCT ID NCT00914095
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether high doses of methylphenidate (Ritalin) could improve walking and attention in 69 people with advanced Parkinson's disease who still had severe gait problems despite standard treatments. Participants received either methylphenidate or a placebo for three months. The researchers measured walking speed, freezing episodes, and attention to see if the drug helped.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could offer a new option to improve walking and attention in advanced Parkinson's patients who still struggle despite standard treatments.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed phase 4 trial with only 69 participants. Results may not apply to all Parkinson's patients, and methylphenidate can cause side effects like increased heart rate or psychiatric issues.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Service de Neurologie, Clinique Neurologique, EA 2683, IFR 114
Lille, 59037, France