Parkinson’s disease affects movement in various ways, but freezing of gait can be one of the most challenging symptoms. It often leads to falls, reducing independence and increasing injury risk. “Freezing of gait is a major challenge, but we still do not fully understand what causes it,” says Nonnekes.
Atomoxetine as a potential treatment
An international research team, led by Radboudumc in collaboration with the University of Waterloo (Canada) and Macquarie University (Australia), is studying the effect of atomoxetine on freezing of gait. Atomoxetine, a medication currently used for ADHD, targets the brain’s alertness and arousal system. Overactivity in this system may contribute to freezing of gait, particularly in individuals sensitive to stress or anxiety.
While existing treatments like medication and deep brain stimulation help some patients, they do not always address freezing of gait. Nonnekes hope that this will be different for Atomoxetine: “We see great promise in this drug for people with Parkinson's who suffer from freezing of gait. Atomoxetine may improve communication between brain areas, which reduces freezing. The aim is to reduce freezing of gait, and thus also improve the well-being of patients.'
Advanced motion analysis
The research team will use motion capture technology and neuroimaging to examine how the brain controls movement in Parkinson’s patients. “By combining brain imaging with detailed gait analysis, we hope to identify the neural and biomechanical factors responsible,” Nonnekes explains.
Broader applications for movement disorders
Findings from this study could also benefit patients with other movement disorders, such as stroke and multiple sclerosis. “A better understanding of how the brain organises movement could lead to new strategies for a wider range of conditions,” says Nonnekes.
The research aligns with the growing use of digital health tools and wearable devices in patient care, offering real-time feedback and support beyond clinical settings. “This grant allows us to push the boundaries of what we know about gait disorders,” says Nonnekes. “We hope our findings lead to meaningful improvements in treatment and empower people with Parkinson’s to move more freely.”
