Brain Stimulation Shows Promise for Treating Anxiety in Parkinson’s Patients

Scientists have discovered that brain stimulation may alleviate anxiety in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, affecting over 10 million people globally, The Guardian reported. Research led by Dr. Lucia Ricciardi at City St George’s, University of London, reveals a strong connection between brain activity in the basal ganglia and anxiety levels in Parkinson’s patients.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS), traditionally used to manage physical symptoms like stiffness and tremors, may now be adapted to address anxiety. The study involved 33 patients undergoing DBS surgery, where electrodes were implanted to monitor brain waves. Findings indicated that increased theta wave activity correlated with higher anxiety levels.

Dr. Ricciardi emphasized the potential for developing advanced neuromodulation treatments tailored to individual needs. Patient Jonathan Lovett noted that using DBS for anxiety could be a significant breakthrough, highlighting the complexity of Parkinson’s disease and the need for innovative treatment options. The research aims to create responsive DBS systems to improve mental health outcomes for patients.