What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for Parkinson's Disease (PD) often target mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which are key contributors to neurodegeneration in PD. MCT supplements increase ketone production, providing an alternative energy source that may enhance mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress. Aerobic exercise improves brain health by increasing blood flow, promoting neuroplasticity, and reducing inflammation. These mechanisms are crucial for PD patients as they help protect dopaminergic neurons, potentially slowing disease progression and improving motor and cognitive functions.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for Parkinson's Disease include dopaminergic therapies like levodopa, MAO B inhibitors, and dopamine agonists. Levodopa can cause motor fluctuations and dyskinesia over time. MAO B inhibitors may have modest benefits but can interact with other medications. Dopamine agonists can lead to side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and impulse control disorders. For treatments similar to MCT supplements and aerobic exercise, MCT supplements can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Aerobic exercise is generally safe but may lead to muscle soreness or injury if not performed correctly.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several treatments for Parkinson's Disease that focus on enhancing brain health and neuroprotection. Levodopa, often combined with carbidopa, is the most common treatment, improving motor symptoms by replenishing dopamine levels. Dopamine agonists like pramipexole and ropinirole mimic dopamine effects in the brain. MAO-B inhibitors such as selegiline and rasagiline prevent dopamine breakdown. While there are no FDA-approved treatments specifically for increasing ketone production, the ketogenic diet has shown promise in preclinical studies for its neuroprotective effects. Exercise, although not a drug, is widely recommended for its benefits in improving motor function and overall brain health in Parkinson's patients.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives for Parkinson's Disease treatment in 2024 include: 1) Creatine, coenzyme Q10, Ginkgo biloba, nicotinamide, and acetyl-L-carnitine, which have shown neuroprotective effects in animal models. 2) CNB-001, a curcumin derivative, which has demonstrated the ability to protect dopamine neurons and improve motor function. 3) A combination of GW 1929 (a PPARγ agonist) and alpha-lipoic acid, which has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation while improving cognitive deficits. 4) Triacetyluridine, which has shown potential in protecting dopaminergic neurons. 5) A specific probiotic mixture that increases butyrate production and protects nigral dopaminergic neurons.

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Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)

Exercise + MCT Supplement for Cognitive Disorders (PARKA Trial)

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Stephen Cunnane, Ph.D.

Research Sponsored by Université de Sherbrooke

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Alzheimer's or Parkinson disease diagnostic

Be older than 18 years old

Must not have

MMSE less than 20

MCT or coconut oil supplementation

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 2 months, evaluation before and after intervention

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial involves patients with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's taking a fat supplement regularly and doing guided exercises to improve brain function and overall health.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease who can consent, have stable medication, and an accompanying person for visits. They must be able to read and speak French. Excluded are those already physically active, with metal implants, low MMSE scores, MCT/coconut use or allergy, uncontrolled diseases that could interfere, cardiac issues, inability to lay flat for 40 minutes, or substance use.

What is being tested?

The study tests the effects of a commercial MCT supplement (50g/day) combined with supervised aerobic exercise three times weekly on cognition and ketone levels in people with cognitive disorders from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's over two months. It also measures endocannabinoids plasma concentrations before and after intervention.

What are the potential side effects?

Potential side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort due to the MCT supplement intake such as diarrhea or cramps; however specific side effects will be monitored throughout the study.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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My memory and thinking skills are significantly impaired.

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I am taking MCT or coconut oil supplements.

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I cannot lie on my back for 40 minutes.

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I use cannabis, THC, or CBD.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 2 months, evaluation before and after intervention

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~2 months, evaluation before and after intervention

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 2 months, evaluation before and after intervention for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Cognition

Ketones

Secondary study objectives

Endocannabinoids

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Parkinson diseaseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

2 months intervention with 50g/day of a commercial MCT supplement combine with supervised aerobic exercise 3x/week.

Group II: Alzheimer's diseaseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

2 months intervention with 50g/day of a commercial MCT supplement combine with supervised aerobic exercise 3x/week.

0 / 5Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for Parkinson's Disease (PD) often target mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which are key contributors to neurodegeneration in PD. MCT supplements increase ketone production, providing an alternative energy source that may enhance mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress. Aerobic exercise improves brain health by increasing blood flow, promoting neuroplasticity, and reducing inflammation. These mechanisms are crucial for PD patients as they help protect dopaminergic neurons, potentially slowing disease progression and improving motor and cognitive functions.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Preventive Intervention with Ketogenic Diet Mediated by the Histone Acetylation of mGluR5 Promotor Region in Rat Parkinson's Disease Model: A Dual-Tracer PET Study.Increased Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Level Is Not Sufficient for the Neuroprotective Effect of Long-Term Ketogenic Diet in an Animal Model of Early Parkinson's Disease. Exploration of Brain and Liver Energy Metabolism Markers.Is NADH effective in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?