Find out ” Deep Brain Stimulation Shows Long-Term Benefits for Advanced Parkinson’s Disease” Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common and disabling neurological condition affecting older adults. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that has been established as a highly effective therapy for advanced Parkinson’s disease. A five-year study published in JAMA Network Open Neurology suggests that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nuclei (STN) can improve quality of life (QOL) for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD).
It involves the implantation of electrodes in the brain, which deliver electrical pulses to help control motor symptoms. DBS can ease motor symptoms, decrease the need for medication, and improve quality of life for some people with Parkinson’s disease.
The procedure is most effective for individuals who experience disabling tremors, wearing-off spells, and medication-induced dyskinesias, with studies showing benefits lasting at least five years.
While DBS does not fully resolve all symptoms, it can significantly reduce motor complications and improve the quality of life for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease.
Study findings
- DBS-STN improves QOL in advanced PD patients: 50% decline in QOL for medication group vs. stable trend for DBS group at 5 years.
- Improved mobility in DBS group: DBS group initially improved in mobility, then stabilized, but still had better overall mobility than medication group at 5 years.
- Medication group experienced greater decline in mobility: 25% worsening in activities of daily living (ADL) scores and 27% increase in motor complications.
- DBS group needed less medication: 62% reduction in levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) compared to 17% increase in medication group.
- Higher QOL linked to better ADL performance: QOL improvements in DBS group associated with better ADL scores, suggesting ADL is important for long-term DBS outcomes.
- DBS has some drawbacks: Speech intelligibility declined over time in DBS group and adverse events were common, though not life-threatening.
Previous studies showed mixed results, with some suggesting improved QOL for up to three years followed by decline, while others found no benefit at five years.
Implications
- DBS-STN can significantly improve QOL in advanced PD patients, mainly through increased mobility.
- ADL performance should be considered when evaluating long-term DBS outcomes.
- Pre-surgical risk factors for poor QOL outcomes in DBS patients need further research.
- Study findings can help counsel patients about DBS benefits and limitations.
In conclusion, DBS-STN offers long-term QOL benefits for advanced PD patients, mainly by improving their mobility. This information can be valuable for both patients and healthcare professionals making informed decisions about DBS-STN treatment.
ALSO READ: Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
