DBS 'could stall Parkinson's progression'

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) could be used to stall the progression of Parkinson's symptoms, according to researchers.

Scientists at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine investigated patients who had undergone DBS at one year intervals.

The study confirmed previous findings that suggested DBS is an effective therapy for Parkinson's disease for up to five years from implantation.

However, a gradual decline in benefit is usually seen over time which is thought to be due to the condition's constant progression.

Researcher Michele Tagliati, who is now the new director of Cedars-Sinai's Movement Disorders Program said that motor symptoms stayed exceptionally stable and no significant progression was seen.

"It may be, as some have suggested, that deep brain stimulation stabilizes the motor progression of the disease, although other studies indicate that Parkinson's disease may just naturally stabilize after several years of progression," she explained.

This comes as two brothers are on a fundraising mission to raise money for Parkinson's UK by rowing across the Atlantic. 

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