Deep brain stimulation more reactive in Parkinson's patients

A new study undertaken at Duke University has uncovered Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is safer in older patients aged 75 and above with Parkinson's Disease than younger people. 

DBS is a proven treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease as the risk of developing brain complications due to the use of stimulation devices is generally lower in older patients. 

Parkinson's is one of the most common movement disorders in the elderly and the results of the analysis concluded those who had undergone the implantation between 2000 and 2009, were at less risk. 

The study was carried out on more than 1,750 patients currently living with the disease and spanning nine years. 

Characteristics of having Parkinson's, such as involuntary muscle movements, can be assisted through receiving DBS. 

A number of complications were raised in occurrence of 7.5 per cent of all patients surveyed including bleeding and wound infections. 

Yet it is unknown how these factors would affect patients with advanced Parkinson's Disease.

Older patients with the disease were chosen to undertake the stimulation as they were not at apparent substantial risk from the procedure-specific complications. 

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