Parkinson’s disease has doubled in prevalence since the 1990s, affecting over 10 million people worldwide. A groundbreaking new treatment, adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation (aDBS), is poised to revolutionize care for those affected.
Developed at Stanford University, aDBS is a personalized therapy that counteracts beta waves and other arrhythmias related to immobility, stiffness, and trembling associated with Parkinson’s. The device functions in a closed loop within the body, responding in real-time to feedback from the brain while documenting these interactions.
Dr. Helen Bronte-Stewart, the lead researcher on the project, credits her work as a ballerina for fueling her fascination with movement disorders. Her team worked tirelessly to bring aDBS to market, which was initially met with skepticism but has since been approved by the FDA in 2015.
Thanks to aDBS, patients like Keith Krehbiel and John Lipp are experiencing improved symptoms and enhanced quality of life. Krehbiel, a retired professor, reported feeling “better” even before the system was activated, while Lipp, who completed the 2024 New York City Marathon, credits the treatment with helping him shed most medications.
However, experts warn that there is still a supply and demand problem in the field of Parkinson’s research. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research has funded some of Dr. Bronte-Stewart’s early aDBS research, and they acknowledge that advances in symptom management are critical to slowing the progression of the disease.
As researchers continue to work on further advancements, an international registry will follow participating aDBS patients to inform future breakthroughs. With aDBS now available, the hope is that it will bring relief to those affected by Parkinson’s disease and help them live more fulfilling lives.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/health/2025/04/03/major-breakthrough-in-parkinsons-disease-treatment