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People with Parkinson’s disease deal with a number of debilitating side effects, according to the volunteers at Connecticut Advocates for Parkinson’s in Windsor, CT. This can drastically reduce their life spans. However, findings from a recent study have linked deep brain stimulation with prolonging the lives of these patients, resulting in a further step toward finding an ultimate cure. If you or a loved one is living with this disease, here is some valuable information about the ongoing research. 

What Is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation is a procedure where a device—similar to a pacemaker—is inserted into the body and used to regulate abnormal impulses and cells, such as those caused by Parkinson’s. The device is implanted into the chest and a wire is connected to electrodes placed in the brain. When abnormal impulses occur, the device sends electric impulses to restore equilibrium.

How Does It Apply to Parkinson’s?

people-with-parkinsons-disease-connecticut-advocates-for-parkinsonsPrevious research had shown that deep brain stimulation can regulate many of the tremor and motor function issues people with Parkinson’s disease experience, but had not yet been connected to prolonging their life span. However, a recent study by researchers at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital has made progress in answering that question. Data showed that people with Parkinson’s disease lived longer through deep brain stimulation compared to patients without it. Because their motor function was less debilitating, they could exercise, engage with others, and better interact and care for themselves. This, in turn, also provides a positive effect on mental health.

Research efforts like these continue to bring promise to finding a cure, and the volunteers at Connecticut Advocates for Parkinson’s are committed to helping. They’re dedicated to assisting people with Parkinson’s disease through a number of ways and provide resources to ensure they and their families have options for managing the disease. Call (860) 266-6040 to speak with a volunteer and visit their website and Facebook to learn more.

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