5-Year Study Confirms Long-Term Benefits of Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
For individuals and families navigating Parkinson’s disease symptoms and treatments, maintaining long-term quality of life is a primary goal. A new study published in JAMA Neurology offers significant hope, demonstrating that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) targeting a specific brain area continues to benefit motor symptoms for at least five years. This is crucial information for any Parkinson’s disease care team developing a long-term management strategy.
Sustained Motor Improvement Over Five Years
The research, part of the ongoing INTREPID clinical trial, followed patients with moderate Parkinson’s disease for five years after receiving subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS implantation. The results were compelling:
- Motor Function: Scores on the standard UPDRS-III scale, which measures motor symptoms, showed a 36% improvement after five years compared to baseline. This includes significant, lasting relief from tremors and rigidity.
- Medication Reduction: The need for levodopa medication was reduced by 28%, an effect that remained stable over the entire study period.
- Dyskinesia: Involuntary movements (dyskinesia) decreased dramatically by 70%.
While the peak benefit was observed at the one-year mark, the therapy provided substantial and clinically meaningful improvement half a decade later. This is particularly relevant for addressing progressive symptoms like the Parkinson’s disease symptoms shuffling gait, which can be debilitating.
Understanding the Scope and Limits of DBS
It’s important for patients and their Parkinson’s disease care team to have realistic expectations. The study confirmed that DBS is most effective for motor symptoms. Non-motor symptoms and daily living activities showed more modest long-term improvements. This underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to Parkinson’s disease symptoms and treatments that includes physical therapy and other interventions alongside DBS.
Furthermore, DBS is typically considered for later stages of the disease. It is not a treatment for the very Parkinson’s disease symptoms early in the diagnosis process. Recognizing the Parkinson’s disease symptoms early is key for initiating appropriate initial therapies.
Safety and Patient Satisfaction
The treatment was generally well-tolerated. The most common serious adverse event was infection related to the implant procedure. Importantly, patient satisfaction with the treatment remained high (94%) throughout the five-year study, indicating that the benefits outweighed the risks for most participants.
A Powerful Tool in the Treatment Toolkit
This long-term data solidifies STN-DBS as a valuable option for improving the lives of eligible patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. It provides durable relief from core motor issues, including the challenging Parkinson’s disease symptoms shuffling gait, and can significantly reduce medication dependence. For those struggling with managing complex Parkinson’s disease symptoms and treatments, this study offers strong evidence for considering DBS as part of a long-term, multidisciplinary care plan.
Source:
Starr PA, et al. Five-Year Outcomes from Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus for Parkinson Disease. JAMA Neurol. Published online September 15, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.3373
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.