Researchers try to “short circuit” Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre have been trying to “short circuit” the progression of Parkinson’s disease through the use of a new implant.

In a recently-approved phase I clinical trial – described as a world first – patients will be implanted with a deep brain stimulation device (DBS) into subjects early in the Parkinson’s disease development.

Dr David Charles, vice-chair of neurology and director of the Vanderbilt Movement Disorders Clinic, said that from his experience, properly selected DBS patients can experience a 25 per cent reduction in medicines required and after an extended period of time, increase it to 50 per cent.

He stated: “One of the driving theories behind this study is the possibility that if deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy was applied early, it may change the progression of the disease, hopefully slowing its advance.”

Dr Charles added: “If this proves successful we hope to launch a larger trial in the future to test the question of whether this therapy can change or slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.”

DBS has previously been studied as a treatment for chronic depression and other neurological disorders.

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