Incredible footage has revealed how one man’s life has been utterly transformed by a new breakthrough drug that curbs debilitating Parkinson’s tremors.
The clip, shared by the NHS on Instagram, shows the astonishing difference in the 52 year-old’s ability to make a cup of tea before and after taking the medication.
The first half of the clip shows the patient, Damien Gath, suffering extreme shakes and spasms while walking to the kitchen counter and pouring water from the kettle into a cup.
But the second half of the video, taken days after starting treatment, shows him completing the task with virtually no tremor at all.
The key to this incredible transformation lies in the black rectangular device worn on Mr Gath’s — a portable pump that slowly releases a drug called foslevodopa- foscarbidopa (or Produodopa) that was recently approved by NHS chiefs for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
It works increasing the amount of a hormone called dopamine in the brain, which is involved with movement and mood.
In Parkinson’s disease, which affects 145,000 Brits, brain cells responsible for making the hormone die off, leading to a deficiency.
While other medicines are currently available, patients with severe disease often have to a concoction of several pills to feel relief. Many find that their symptoms worsen in the evening once the effect of the medication has worn off.
But the Produodopa infusion delivers a steady stream of medicine throughout the day and night, entering the patient’s bloodstream through a cannula under the skin that is controlled by a small, automatic pump.
Mr Gath was one of the first patients at NHS Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust to receive what he called a life-changing medication, which costs the NHS £31,000 per person, per year.
‘It’s been extraordinary and life-changing – the massive difference is that there are now no fluctuations,’ said Mr Gath, who was first diagnosed 12 years a go.
‘So soon after first having the treatment I was able make a cup of coffee more easily and go to the supermarket, and I am also sleeping so much better.’
Damien’s wife Amanda, who recorded the clips, added: ‘Sometimes it was difficult to deal with the lack of understanding from people around you and that made me very protective of Damien.
‘Now, we are just like any other couple enjoying themselves.’
Parkinson’s is a disease in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over years.
This leads to people suffering from tremors and stiff and inflexible movements that can eventually rob them of their independence.
Patients can also, as a consequence of their disease, suffer from other problems like depression and anxiety.
What triggers the brain changes that lead to Parkinson’s is unknown and while there are treatments available there is no cure.
Symptoms can include uncontrollable tremors, slow movements and muscle stiffness, but experts say they often only appear when about 80 per cent of the nerve cells have been lost
Patients can also respond differently to treatments — some find drugs offer a solution whereas for others they fail to work.
In Mr Gath’s case his condition recently deteriorated, and he was on a cocktail of four medications six times a day to try and bring his involuntary movements under control.
But these had mixed success, and he particularly suffered at night when the dosage began to wear off.
However, thanks to the new portable pump he said he is now resting much better.
‘The massive difference is that there are now no fluctuations,’ he said.
‘I am also sleeping much better and the duvet doesn’t feel like a ton weight on my legs – I can turn over when I want to.’
