Researcher New brain pacemaker helps with Parkinson's

Novel treatment method allows significant improvement in quality of life
Parkinson's disease is yet incurable, but a new innovative therapy can significantly improve the quality of life of those affected, according to a recent study by the research team led by the neurologist Professor Dr. med. Lars Timmermann from the University of Cologne. Scientists have tested the use of a brain pacemaker to treat Parkinson's disease, with significant improvements in patient mobility and quality of life. The results of the study were published in the renowned journal "Lancet Neurology".

So far, Parkinson's therapy is mainly based on drugs, which in many patients, however, only insufficient effect and can not prevent further deterioration in quality of life. Under the leadership of Professor Timmermann, scientists at six European centers have now investigated the use of novel brain pacemakers for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The results were quite convincing. "The treated Parkinson's patients showed a significant improvement in their mobility and quality of life, needed less medication and had fewer problems in everyday life," according to the announcement of the University of Cologne.

In the course of Parkinson's disease changes the posture and the mobility is increasingly limited. (Image: rob3000 / fotolia.com)

Mobility by the brain pacemaker significantly improved
Already in 2010, the world's first use of a rechargeable brain pacemaker with eight contacts at the University of Cologne. With the help of the device, doctors at each contact point were able to precisely adjust the current to the effect and side effect of the patient. The researchers have now tested the effect of the new form of therapy on 40 Parkinson's patients in Spain, Austria, England, France, Italy and Germany in a multi-center study. They conclude that a significant improvement in mobility was observed as early as three months after surgery, and after six months patients were up to 62.4 percentage points more mobile than before surgery. The results were still at the same level one year after the procedure, reports the University of Cologne.

Taking medication could be reduced
According to the scientists, comparably positive results have been shown in activities of daily life. For example, after twelve months, those affected achieved an average improvement in the quality of life by 33.8%, mainly due to improved mobility, increased physical well-being and easier coping with everyday activities. The improvements in motor skills are therefore significantly larger than in all previously conducted studies on brain pacemakers in Parkinson's disease failed. At the same time, the patients were able to reduce their previously taken medication by 58.1 percent, according to a report from the University of Cologne. However, side effects of the novel therapy were also noted, such as strong speech disorders.

Innovative technology is a promising treatment option
Overall, the scientists rate the Parkinson's therapy with the help of the brain pacemaker quite promising. "Over the past few years, we have been able to help many of our patients very well with this innovative technology," reports Professor Timmermann. Furthermore, it remains the goal to avoid perturbation while achieving an optimal effect. "It was important to confirm these clinical experiences in a European study," says Timmermann. (Fp)