Chicago, IL - Parkinson's disease is a devastating disorder that, among other things, slowly robs patients of their mobility.

Now researchers are looking at whether a nutritional supplement, commonly used by body builders, can keep them moving.

Doctor Kathleen Shannon is leading part of a large national study to testy whether creatine, a food supplement athletes use to build muscles, can slow the loss of brain cells in Parkinson's patients.

 "Its effects in the brain have to do with improving the energy system within the brain cells and it's also got some kind of anti-oxidants so oxidation, rust is something that happens in brain cells as well as on your garden tools,  and it helps to prevent that as well," said Neurologist, Kathleen Shannon, M.D.

Which could lead to new therapy for patients.

This trial is the first large study in a series clinical trials.

For more information go to www.parkinsontrial.org.