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Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder in which motor movements are slowed or abnormal. The cause of PD is not fully understood, but researchers have determined that the loss of dopamine is one contributing factor. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in transmitting signals between neurons and coordinating movement. The loss of dopamine disrupts the electrical activity of the brain, causing movements to be uncontrolled.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep Brain Stimulation is one therapeutic approach to alleviate motor symptoms in PD patients. DBS systems are surgically implanted into patients' brains: electrodes are placed into specific areas of the brain to deliver electrical impulses. A pulse generator is then programmed to deliver controlled electrical impulses to the targeted brain areas. Although not a cure for PD, DBS can help reduce symptoms by restoring a more normal balance of neural activity in the motor circuits.
Disparities in Access to DBS
Disparities in Access to DBS
DBS is a relatively new treatment. Research has identified many disparities in who gets referred and receives DBS with gender, socioeconomic status, race, and education levels. My project will be to analyze and summarize data on attitudes towards DBS. This data was collected by Medtronic, a company that supplies DBS, on patients with PD at UCSF.
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