The Effects of L-Tyrosine on 24 Hour Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Parkinson's Disease

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The investigators are observing the effects 2,000 mg of L-tyrosine will have on 24 hour blood pressure fluctuations in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Detailed Description
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We will be monitoring 24 hour ambulatory BP and HR in subjects with PD on 3 separate visits. The first visit will be without an intervention to establish a baseline of 24 hour BP fluctuations. One week later the subject will be given either L-tyrosine (2,000 mg) with B6 (10 mg) or a sugar pill. We will monitor 24 hour BP and HR after supplementation. One week later the subject will repeat the same procedures with either supplement or placebo. This is a total of 3 visits with 24 hour ambulatory BP and HR monitoring.

Official Title
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The Effects of L-Tyrosine on Non-invasive Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Monitoring in Parkinson's Disease

Conditions
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Blood Pressure

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: L-tyrosine
* Dietary Supplement: Sugar Pill


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: All subjects must have a diagnosis of PD by a licensed neurologist according to the UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank Clinical Diagnostic Criteria (UKPDBB).(Goetz, 2010) The UKPDBB is a 3 step diagnostic tool which defines inclusion and exclusion criteria for diagnosing PD between 35 and 79 years of age mentally able to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Pregnancy any person who is currently taking amino acid supplements. Any history of myocardial infarction, stent, or CABG Phenylketonurics Untreated hypertension

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 40 Years
Maximum Age: 84 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: L-Tyrosine<br>We will administer 1,000 mg of L-tyrosine BID for 24 hours and record BP and HR. | Dietary Supplement: L-tyrosine<br>* Each subject will receive 2,000 mg of L-tyrosine BID for 24 hours.<br>Dietary Supplement: Sugar Pill<br>* Each subject will receive a sugar pill BID for 24 hours.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Sugar Pill<br>We will administer a sugar pill BID for 24 hours and record BP and HR. | Dietary Supplement: L-tyrosine<br>* Each subject will receive 2,000 mg of L-tyrosine BID for 24 hours.<br>Dietary Supplement: Sugar Pill<br>* Each subject will receive a sugar pill BID for 24 hours.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Blood Pressure |  | 24 hours | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Heart Rate |  | 24 hours |