Abstract: ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of GM1 ganglioside treatment for persons with Parkinson's disease.Methods33 Parkinson's disease patients with a fluctuating response to levodopa received 100 mg GM1 ganglioside (used as add-on agent to the previous medication regimen) daily. Unified Parkinson's disease Rating scale (UPDRS) motor score and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score were measure before and 2, 3 or 4 weeks after treatment. The side-effect of GM1 during treatment were observed. ResultsAfter 2, 3, 4 weeks of treatment, There was significant improvement in patients with GM1 treament on the UPDRS motor scores were (23.5±8.9), (22.8±8.3) and (22.5±9.1) respectively, which was improved compared with that before (36.7±10.2) (P<0.01). The ADL portion of the UPDRS at these time were (21.4±10.9), (20.3±9.5) and (20.6±10.2) respectively, also showed significant improvement compared with the baseline (30.5±12.1) (P<0.01). However, there was no significant differece between the scores that measured at the time spots 2 weeks after treatment.No side-effect had been observed.ConclusionGM1 ganglioside can improve neurologic function significantly in PD patients with fluctuating response to levodopa.

Key words: Parkinson's disease, levodopa, GM1 ganglioside