Could ritalin help Parkinson's patients walk better?

NCT ID NCT00914095

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University Hospital, Lille Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

dementia Gait Disorders, Neurologic Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEMENTIA GAIT DISORDERS, NEUROLOGIC PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Service de Neurologie, Clinique Neurologique, EA 2683, IFR 114

Lille, 59037, France

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