Implants reduce Parkinson’s symptoms by reading brain activity

A new development in computer interface technology offers hope for Parkinson's patients through what could be considered a "smart pacemaker" for the brain. Deep brain implants that adaptively adjust electrical stimulation based on an individual’s neural activity have shown significant promise in enhancing therapy for Parkinson’s disease. In the first clinical trial of this technology, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) demonstrated that adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) can reduce the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s by half compared to traditional DBS implants, which provide constant electrical pulses. The study, published in *Nature Medicine*, involved inserting stimulating electrodes into the subthalamic nucleus, the brain region that coordinates movement, and sensing electrodes on the motor cortex, responsible for initiating voluntary movement. The research team, led by Philip Starr, UCSF professor of neurosurgery, utilized AI algorithms to analyze each patient’s neural activity, tailoring a personalized therapy plan that automatically adjusted the level of stimulation to control symptoms. The trial, involving four men with severe Parkinson’s, revealed that the new aDBS system was able to reduce the most severe symptoms by 50% compared to the best conventional DBS systems. This breakthrough combines the established practice of deep brain stimulation with advanced computer interfaces capable of reading and interpreting neural activity, similar to innovations pioneered by companies like Neuralink. According to Starr, this marks a significant step towards making aDBS a long-term, adaptive treatment option for Parkinson’s patients. Moreover, a separate study indicated that aDBS could also identify brain activity patterns related to different sleep states in Parkinson’s patients, potentially addressing the insomnia that commonly affects those with the condition. Although the technology is still in its early stages and not yet ready for widespread use, researchers are working to simplify and automate the system. This advancement represents a new era in neurostimulation therapies, with potential applications not only for Parkinson's but also for psychiatric conditions like depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Claire Bale, associate director of research at Parkinson’s UK, emphasized the need for larger clinical trials to confirm the safety and effectiveness of aDBS and to support its approval as a new treatment option for people with Parkinson’s.