Combined Beneficial Effect of Rasagiline on Motor Function and Depression in De Novo PD

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate prokinetic and antidepressive effects of rasagiline in de novo Parkinson disease (PD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed PD with comorbid untreated depression were randomly assigned to rasagiline monotherapy 1 or 2 mg/d. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part 2 (Activity of Daily Living) and Part 3 (Motor Function), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) assessments were carried out by a blinded investigator in each patient at baseline and after 8 weeks of rasagiline treatment. RESULTS: Both groups showed equal motor improvement at the end point. The improvements of HDRS score and activity of daily living were significantly more pronounced with rasagiline, 2 mg/d, than rasagiline, 1 mg/d (P = 0.0002). The treatment with rasagiline, 2 mg/d, improved symptoms in all HDRS core depression symptoms and specifically those not considered to be influenced by motor function: mood, guilt, psychic anxiety, and hypochondria. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that antidepressive effect seen in higher dosage of rasagiline may be not related to the motor improvement.