Deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease - Impact on quality of life

Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is reduced in Parkinson's disease patients. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for motor problems and motor fluctuations in advanced Parkinson's disease. Three randomised trials were recently conducted to assess the effects of DBS on HRQoL. All studies found improvements in HRQoL after surgery. DBS of the subthalamic nucleus and the globus pallidus interna improved HRQoL to a similar degree. However, in the long-term, such improvements may not be maintained, perhaps because HRQoL is a subjective measure and subjective perceptions of disability may change over time. DBS has proven long-term efficacy on motor symptoms, and the decline in benefit over time may also be explained by progression in the non-motor symptoms of the disease. Several predictors of HRQoL improvements after DBS have been identified, including good levodopa response, young age and good cognitive function. © TOUCH BRIEFINGS 2012.