How Deep Brain Stimulation Benefits Individuals Affected by Parkinson's Disease
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Recent studies suggest that deep brain stimulation remains effective in the extended treatment of individuals in advanced stages of Parkinson's disease. While deep brain stimulation has established itself as an effective therapy for Parkinson's disease, its sustained effectiveness over the long term, when compared to medications, was previously uncertain. Despite the absence of a known cure for Parkinson's, ongoing research continues to explore potential breakthroughs in treatment.
Recent research conducted in Germany suggests that deep brain stimulation could significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals in advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease.
A study led by researchers from the University of Cologne involved a comparison between two groups of Parkinson’s patients: one group underwent deep brain stimulation targeting the subthalamic nucleus, while the other received conventional medication as part of standard care.
Following a 5-year observational period, the researchers observed that the quality of life remained stable in the group treated with deep brain stimulation, in contrast to a decline in the quality of life within the group receiving standard-of-care medication.
These compelling findings, published in the esteemed medical journal JAMA, further emphasize the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation as a therapeutic approach for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Experts interviewed by Medical News Today assert that this research provides additional evidence supporting the positive impact of deep brain stimulation on Parkinson’s patients.
The Connection Between Parkinson's Disease and the Brain
Several symptoms of Parkinson’s disease manifest in various parts of the body, with motor symptoms originating in the brain when nerve cells in the midbrain undergo degeneration.
Dr. David Charles, a professor and vice-chair of neurology, as well as the medical director of Vanderbilt Telehealth at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee, highlighted the impact on dopaminergic neurons in the brain, explaining that cells producing dopamine gradually degenerate. Despite various theories surrounding the cause of this degeneration, the root cause of typical Parkinson’s disease remains elusive.
While the exact origins of Parkinson’s disease remain uncertain, its connection to the brain underscores the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation as a viable treatment. Initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1997, deep brain stimulation continues to be a widely adopted standard-of-care therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Charles emphasized the well-documented therapeutic effectiveness of deep brain stimulation, stating that it is recognized by major commercial insurances in the United States and remains a proven therapy for appropriately selected patients.
Significant Discoveries in Parkinson's Disease Research
Charles and his research team focused on investigating deep brain stimulation for individuals in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, while the study conducted in Germany compared individuals in advanced stages of the condition.
Charles expressed his positive view of the report, stating, "I think they nicely address the limitations of the trial design that they used, and so I believe that their findings are very valuable for the Parkinson’s community."
Dr. Jean-Philippe Langevin, a neurosurgeon and director of the Restorative Neurosurgery and Deep Brain Stimulation Program for Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, concurred.
He described the study as "important, rigorous, and significant," emphasizing that while prior studies had established the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation compared to standard-of-care therapy, a crucial question lingered: Would deep brain stimulation maintain its superiority over the long term, or would it eventually exhibit diminishing returns?
Langevin clarified, "This study examined the outcomes and patient quality of life five years after the surgery. The authors report that the quality of life is maintained in the [deep brain stimulation] cohort but worsens in the medical therapy group. The difference in quality of life was linked to better motor performance with [deep brain stimulation], allowing patients to carry out their daily activities more effectively."
Expressing Solidarity with Individuals Affected by Parkinson's
While deep brain stimulation may offer effective relief for individuals grappling with Parkinson’s disease, it doesn't alter the fact that Parkinson’s remains a debilitating condition. With no known cure, its symptoms progressively worsen over time.
A Parkinson’s diagnosis often signifies a significant impact on a person's ability to engage in their usual hobbies or activities, according to Langevin. This hampers their independence, underscoring the crucial role of support from family, friends, and loved ones.
Langevin noted, “The patient may require assistance with basic activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. Parkinson’s disease is a life-altering condition that poses a threat to the patient’s capacity for independent living and overall quality of life.”
Despite the mysteries surrounding the underlying causes of Parkinson’s disease, ongoing research aims to unveil a more nuanced understanding. Charles highlighted various research avenues, including exploring genetic influences predisposing someone to Parkinson’s, gene therapy, and cell-based therapy that involves implanting cells in the brain to aid individuals with Parkinson’s.
“For a person newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the news is positive. We have available therapies for Parkinson’s, and there is robust research ongoing across multiple fronts,” he added.