Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease in which dopaminergic neurons in the brainstem progressively die. Tremor and difficulty walking are the most recognizable symptoms for people with Parkinson’s. Although there is no permanent cure, a study from the University of Copenhagen has shown a ray of hope for the treatment of Parkinson’s. People are primarily treated with drugs, but in some cases, doctors use deep brain stimulation (DBS). In DBS, the surgeon inserts a thin metal coil into the brain, which can be used to send electrical pulses. DBS is effective in treating tremors, but reducing difficulties with walking and freezing is a challenge. Studies in rats suggest that DBS treatment of walking problems in Parkinson’s could be adapted by targeting specific neurons in the brainstem – potentially benefiting more than 7 to 10 million people living with the disease worldwide could.
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