Deep brain stimulation improves mental and urinary symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease

This study investigated the rates of mental and urinary disorders, falls, hospitalizations and death in patients with Parkinson's disease receiving deep brain stimulation (DBS). Researchers suggested that these patients had a lower rate of mental and urinary symptoms and falls.

Parkinson's disease (PD) breaks the connection between brain cells. These cells lose their abilities to control body functions, such as walking. The standard treatment for this disease is levodopa. However, this drug is associated with a high rate of side effects after long-term use.

DBS consists of putting a medical device in the brain that sends electrical impulses to brain cells. It has been shown that DBS improves PD symptoms. However, the effect of DBS on mental and urinary symptoms, falls and hospitalizations associated with PD remain under investigation.

This study included information about 91 patients with PD receiving DBS (group 1). They were compared to 91 other patients received medical treatment alone (group 2). The minimum follow-up was 1 year. 

The risk of mental disorders (such as dementia) was similar in both groups. However, group 1 had lower rates of mental and urinary symptoms and falls. In contrast, the risk of hospitalization was higher in group 1 (due to DBS surgery). However, the risk of hospitalization not related to PD was lower in group 1. The risk of death was similar in the two groups.

This study concluded that DBS improves mental and urinary symptoms as well as falls in patients with Parkinson's disease.

This study included a limited number of participants. Larger studies are needed for stronger evidence.