Adherence of Stalevo, Entacapone and Levodopa

Study of Adherence of Stalevo, Entacapone and Levodopa

To test if combining two antiparkinson drugs into a single tablet improves accuracy of medicine intake by the patient.

To test if patients with Parkinson's disease who take medicines at regular time intervals have smoother symptom control.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease aged between 18 and 85 years fulfilling UK Brain Bank criteria.
• Current levodopa therapy prescribed on a regular basis three or more times per day but requiring entacapone because of 'wearing off'
• Able to manipulate electronic monitoring bottles and complete questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current use of compliance aid such that study participation would be detrimental to patient's adherence
• Pregnancy or breast feeding
• Excess alcohol (over 21 units per week for women and 28 units for men)
• Mini mental state examination of less than 26.
• Severe depression (Geriatric depression score over 20)