Use of Neuromodulation to Relieve Gait Freezing in Parkinson’s Disease

Freezing of gait, a common and disabling symptom of Parkinson’s disease, leads to falls, social isolation, and stigma. Current treatments address rigidity and tremor but do not effectively target gait freezing. This study aims to develop a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system that automatically detects and interrupts gait freezing episodes through adaptive, patient-specific neuromodulation. The researchers believe that customized neuromodulation therapies can improve freezing of gait by retuning the brain's oscillatory networks. The project involves creating and testing a novel DBS system capable of chronic brain recording and adaptive stimulation. Algorithms will be developed to detect and minimize gait freezing episodes, and their safety and efficacy will be evaluated in clinical trials, including detailed gait analysis, virtual reality environments, and home monitoring. This approach could revolutionize Parkinson’s treatment by personalizing DBS therapy to optimize symptom management, enhancing motor and non-motor task performance. The AlphaDBS device, equipped with new adaptive stimulation software, will be used to gather clinical data supporting confirmatory trials and regulatory approval for this innovative system.