Beyond Medication: How Surgical Interventions For Parkinson's Disease Are Improving Quality Of Life

Globally, Parkinson's has a global disease burden that is expected to double by 2050, with cases rising from 8.5 million in 2021 to 17.5 million. These figures have been highlighted in the study published in the BMJ, wherein age is a primary driver of Parkinson's disease, especially in countries where life expectancy is longer. When it comes to gender, men are more affected than women across regions, and when it comes to Asia specifically, Parkinson's has been seen to rise due to the large population size and the majority of the people among the ageing demographic. Parkinson's disease is projected to become a major public health challenge as it requires access to expanded and specialised neurology services, surgical interventions, and long-term patient care. Hence, the economic burden of the neurodegenerative disease is immense.

How Surgical Interventions For Parkinson's Disease Are Improving Quality Of Life

To get a deep insight into Parkinson's disease and how surgical interventions are improving the quality of life, NDTV spoke to Dr Vinit Banga, Director and Head of the Department of Neurology at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, who explained in depth about the same.

He first explained what Parkinson's disease is and how the symptoms of the disease can be identified. He had this to say about Parkinson's disease: "It is a neurological disorder characterised by motor impairment. The impairment manifests as motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movements.

Although medication, such as levodopa (a drug that helps replenish a brain chemical called dopamine), is the main course of treatment, it has shown a tendency to wear off over time. In addition, its prolonged use is associated with complications such as dyskinesia (involuntary, erratic movements). In such situations, surgery has become a viable alternative, and it has shown promising results by improving the quality of life of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease."

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Risk Factors And Drivers Of Parkison's Disease

The research from the BMJ highlights the following risk factors of Parkinson's disease and why people need to be aware of the same to safeguard themselves from the fallout of dealing with the disease; here is what you need to know:

• Age remains the strongest risk factor, as the brain slows down with age, and neurodegenerative disease can take a strong hold in an aged brain.
• Environmental exposures like the widespread use of pesticides, various types of pollution, and lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, and physical activity help influence the prevalence of the disease.
• Genetic predisposition plays a role but varies across populations, as some people are genetically inclined to develop the disease and need preemptive monitoring to be vigilant of their brain health status.
• Healthcare access and diagnostic improvements will increase if the disease is reported, as people become more aware.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): A Game Changer

Dr Vinit Banga went into great detail, where he had this to say: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is the most frequently used surgery to treat Parkinson's disease. The surgery involves the implantation of electrodes into areas of the brain responsible for motor movements. The electrodes are connected to a device implanted in the chest area.

He explained the mechanism behind deep brain stimulation, where he said that "the device sends electrical signals to regulate abnormal brain activities. DBS has shown impressive results by alleviating motor impairment, such as tremors and stiffness.

Unlike other surgeries, DBS is reversible and adjustable. Therefore, it is a highly customisable procedure.

Also Read: Just 20 Minutes Of Exercise Sparks Brain Ripples That Help Boost Memory: Study

A Parkinson's Patient undergoing an MRI (image is for representation purposes only)
Photo Credit: A.I generated image

Benefits Of Deep Brain Stimulation For Parkinson's Treatment

Dr Vinit Banga said that, arguably, the most significant benefits of the surgery, including DBS, are the improvement in the motor functions of the brain. This allows the patient to become independent once more. This means that the patient can perform their daily functions more easily, for example, walking, eating, and even dressing themselves." Here are the additional health benefits that Parkinson's patients can witness if they undergo deep-brain stimulation:

• This makes them less dependent on other people, a factor that can have a great impact on their self-esteem."
• Less medication is required, as Dr Vinit Banga explained, because "surgical procedures can also help individuals significantly, as they require less medication in the process."
• "In the case of DBS, for example, the patient can be able to control the amount of medication they require, which in turn minimises the negative side effects, such as nausea, hallucinations, and motor movements, which are often associated with high doses of drugs."
• "A controlled reaction also eliminates the 'on-off' symptoms, which are so common with long-term medication, making life much easier for the patient." That is the primary reason why Dr Vinit Banga compared medication usage to deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson's.

Emerging Techniques And Innovations For Parkinson's Treatment

Dr Vinit Banga went on to explain that, apart from DBS, other emerging techniques, such as the use of MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), are also being explored as alternatives for treating individuals with Parkinson's disease. This technique, for example, does not involve surgical procedures, as ultrasound waves are used in the process.

And other innovations, such as adaptive DBS, are also being used, whereby stimulation is adapted according to the signals received from the brain, making it possible for more people to benefit from the procedure, making it much easier for many people to be able to undergo the process."

Limitations And Considerations with Parkinson's Treatment

Dr Vinit Banga said that, despite their benefits, surgery is not for everyone. It does not cure Parkinson's disease or stop it from progressing. Some symptoms, like non-motor symptoms, can also persist. It is therefore important for patients to be evaluated carefully before undergoing surgery so that they can benefit from it.

Surgical interventions are making significant impacts in the management of Parkinson's disease. This is because it helps solve some of the problems associated with medication-based therapy. This is because it helps improve symptoms, making it possible for patients to lead better, more independent lives."

Hence, the great insight from Dr Vinit Banga effectively speaks to the effectiveness of Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's treatment as well as speaks to the limitations of medication use.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.