Parkinson's Research Now: What Have We Learned About DBS and ICDs?

What does the latest research mean for your patients or for your research into Parkinson's disease? In this issue, PDF's team answers – focusing on two key issues: deep brain stimulation and impulse control disorders.

DBS: Where and When?

Who should undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease and when is the right time to do so? Two studies provide answers that could guide doctors and people with Parkinson's in making these decisions.

First, a study led by Günther Deuschl, M.D., Ph.D., and published online on February 13 in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that DBS may be more beneficial for people with early motor complications of PD than was previously recognized. Meanwhile, a new study led by Rob M.A. de Bie, M.D., published in the January 2013 issue of The Lancet Neurology continues the controversy over the best DBS target with new evidence suggesting that the STN is superior to the GPi.
Read Dr. Deuschl's Study
Read Dr. de Bie's Study

ICDs: What Causes Them and Who's at Risk?

How can we prevent impulse control disorders (ICDs) in people with Parkinson's? Two recent studies may help us to understand and prevent these potentially debilitating side effects, which include compulsive eating, gambling, shopping and sexual activity.

First, a team led by Daniel Weintraub, M.D., reported in a study in the January 8 issue of Neurology that people newly diagnosed with Parkinson's (who were not taking medications) had no greater symptoms of ICDs than healthy controls. Meanwhile, a team funded in part by PDF and led by Melissa Nirenberg, M.D., Ph.D., published a small, prospective study in the January 2 issue of Movement Disorders, in which they suggest that the incidence of ICDs is much greater than expected. Both studies emphasize the importance of identifying risk factors to help doctors recognize or prevent ICDs in people living with PD, especially when prescribing dopamine agonists.

The authors of both studies also spoke at a PDF-supported conference this past fall that focused on generating a strategic research plan for tackling ICDs in PD. PDF will keep you informed of additional research studies into this important issue.
Read Dr. Weintraub's Study
Read Dr. Nirenberg's Study

More Science News & Your Work

I urge you to browse PDF's additional science news stories and to please always let us know about recent advances in your work by emailing grants@pdf.org.

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Dr. James Beck
Director of Research Programs

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If you have or believe you have Parkinson’s disease, then promptly consult a physician and follow your physician’s advice. This email is not a substitute for a physician’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or for a physician’s prescription of drugs, treatment or operations for Parkinson’s.