DBS

September 14, 2023

Study suggests way to relieve cognitive deficits caused by Parkinson’s disease

Vanderbilt research raises the possibility of using DBS to slow the decline of cognitive function, a major source of disability, diminished quality of life, and death in more than three-quarters of patients with Parkinson’s disease.

By Bill Snyder
photo of David Charles and Mallory Hacker
June 7, 2023

Deep brain sweet spot might be key to halt Parkinson’s

A sweet spot in the deep brain with direct lines of communication to motor regions far out on the cerebral cortex might hold a key to halting the progression of early-stage Parkinson’s disease.

By Paul Govern
photo of David Charles and Mallory Hacker
June 30, 2020

Pilot study suggests Parkinson’s disease progression can be slowed

A pair of ultra-thin electrodes surgically implanted deep into the brain might slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, according to five-year outcomes from a 30-patient randomized clinical trial conducted by investigators at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

By Paul Govern
photo of David Charles and Mallory Hacker
August 30, 2018

Parkinson’s study to track impact of DBS on earliest patients

A decade after taking part in the first clinical trial of deep brain stimulation (DBS) administered during very early-stage Parkinson’s disease, participants will return to Vanderbilt University Medical Center this year to be re-evaluated.

By Tom Wilemon
March 24, 2016

Deep brain stimulation program marks milestones

Vanderbilt Clinical Neurosciences is marking two milestones — the 20th anniversary of its deep brain stimulation (DBS) program and its 1,000th DBS procedure.

By Tom Wilemon
October 22, 2015

Neimat: Emotional disturbance is an overlooked symptom of Parkinson’s

Despite benefiting from dramatic improvements in movement after deep brain stimulation surgery, patients with Parkinson’s disease can be inadequately served when physicians and researchers focus only on its motor manifestations, says a Vanderbilt neurosurgeon.

By Tom Wilemon
April 3, 2014

DBS for Parkinson’s trial moves to next level

A long-term Vanderbilt University Medical Center study of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in early-stage Parkinson’s disease has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to continue in a pivotal, phase III, large-scale safety and efficacy trial.
By VUMC News and Communications
September 7, 2012

Parkinson’s therapy may impact language

Deep brain stimulation used to treat Parkinson’s disease may impair some aspects of language processing, a recent study suggests.
By VUMC News and Communications
August 23, 2012

Events honor early patients of novel Parkinson’s study

Pioneers of Parkinson’s disease research are gathering at Vanderbilt University Medical Center today to celebrate the end of a study that was an important first step in the quest to find a way to slow the progression of the degenerative movement disorder.
By VUMC News and Communications