RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Observational Case Series of Patients With Parkinson's Disease (PD) Attending a Complementary Medicine Neuro-degenerative Disease (NDD) Clinic.

This study is looking at people with Parkinson's disease (PD) who attend a special clinic in London offering complementary therapies. The clinic, run by the charity Homeopathy UK, provides treatments such as homeopathy, herbalism, and hypnosis, as well as advice on diet and mindfulness. The main goal is to understand how these complementary treatments are used alongside a patient's usual medical care for PD, and how they affect patients' experiences. Researchers are collecting routine information and asking patients to fill out questionnaires about their condition at regular visits. This helps them learn more about the role of complementary medicine for people with Parkinson's disease.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

St. Mary's University, Twickenham

Enrolment target

100

Start

19 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2027

Parkinson Disease Parkinsonism

What is this study about?

This study is focusing on people with Parkinson's disease (PD) who are receiving care at a special clinic in London. The clinic offers various complementary therapies. These are treatments that you use alongside your regular medical care, not instead of it. Examples include homeopathy, herbal remedies, hypnosis, and healing. The clinic also provides advice on things like healthy eating, mindfulness, and meditation for self-help.

Researchers want to learn more about how people with Parkinson's disease use these complementary therapies and what their experiences are like. They are collecting information from patients who visit the clinic to better understand if and how these approaches might be helpful for managing Parkinson's symptoms. It’s important to remember that these complementary therapies are meant to work with your usual medical treatments, prescribed by your doctor, not replace them.

By carefully observing patients' experiences, the study hopes to fill a gap in our knowledge about complementary medicine for Parkinson's disease. This information could help doctors better guide patients who are interested in these types of treatments in the future.

Key takeaways

The study explores how complementary therapies might help people with Parkinson's disease.
It aims to understand patients' experiences with treatments like homeopathy and herbalism.
All therapies are used alongside your usual medical care, not as a replacement.
Participation involves routine clinic visits and filling out questionnaires.
The study focuses on real-world experiences to help inform future care.
You can participate if you have Parkinson's or Parkinsonism.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you must have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or a similar condition called Parkinsonism. This includes if you have other health issues at the same time.

You cannot join this study if you are in need of urgent medical attention that goes beyond what this clinic can provide. Also, if you have other neurodegenerative conditions (not Parkinson's or Parkinsonism), you wouldn't be included in this specific study.

Even if you don't have Parkinson's but are at risk (for example, due to family history), you might still be able to get treatment at the clinic; however, your information wouldn't be used as part of this particular research study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or a similar condition called Parkinsonism.
I am aged 18 years or older.
I am not in need of urgent medical care outside of this clinic's services.
I understand these therapies are complementary and not a substitute for my doctor's treatment.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will attend appointments at the clinic approximately every three months. These appointments are part of your regular care, and during them, you will complete questionnaires about your condition. The appointments usually last about 1.5 hours. If it's difficult for you to travel, possibly due to your health or distance, the appointments can be done online using a secure video call platform like Zoom. The complementary treatments you receive will include options like homeopathy, herbalism, hypnosis, and healing, along with advice on lifestyle changes, mindfulness, or diet. You will continue to take your usual medical treatments for Parkinson's disease as prescribed by your doctor, as these complementary therapies are meant to be used alongside them.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no known extra risks involved in taking part in this study, as it primarily involves observing your routine care and collecting information you would normally provide at your clinic visits. A potential benefit is contributing to a better understanding of how complementary therapies might help people with Parkinson's disease, which could benefit others in the future. You are free to withdraw from the research part of the study at any time without affecting your medical care at the clinic.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Feldy Community Centre
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a condition that affects the brain and can cause problems with movement, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance.

What are 'complementary therapies'?

Complementary therapies are treatments used alongside standard medical care to help manage your health. They are not meant to replace your doctor's prescribed treatments.

Will I have to stop my regular medicine if I join?

No, absolutely not. The complementary therapies offered in this clinic are designed to be used *with* your regular medical treatments, not to replace them.

How often will I need to attend the clinic?

You will usually have appointments about every three months. If needed, these could be more frequent (monthly) or less frequent (every six months).

Is this study safe?

Yes, this study is considered safe as it involves observing your normal clinic care and collecting routine information. You won't be asked to do anything outside of your usual treatment plan.

How to find out more

Philippa Fibert, PhD

philippa.fibert@stmarys.ac.uk +44 7543345046 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.