Welcome
Download and Read Our Latest Survey Results
Speech in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease with and without Deep Brain Stimulation. (Jan. 09) Speech is a complex behavior that is coordinated by an integrated network of sensory, muscular, respiratory, and cognitive systems. As a result of the complex nature of speech, symptoms of speech impairment can be quite diverse, reflecting dysfunction in one or more of these systems. Research has found that speech problems are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD), and it has been found that 70% of persons with PD reported speech impairments after the onset of PD.1 The scientific literature examining speech in PD is vast and the following paragraphs are intended to provide only a brief introduction to this topic as it relates to the current research project.
> Feedback regarding the research conducted by The Parkinson Alliance. (Dec. 07) The Parkinson Alliance regularly pursues feedback regarding the research that we conduct. We request feedback about each survey in hopes to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our “community.” We recently conducted phone interviews with participants of our research endeavors to pursue feedback about past surveys and the future direction of research conducted by The Parkinson Alliance.
Articles
> Does Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) prevent progression of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) or it only masks some of the symptoms of PD? Long term biochemical changes in the Parkinsonian brain with and without deep brain stimulation using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) ... read more
Research
DBS-STN vs. GPi: which has more effect on mood and cognition?
The purpose of this article was to compare the effects of DBS-STN vs. DBS-GPi, in regard to mood and cognition. The authors looked at various settings and stimulation parameters of both devices with patients off medication so they could evaluate the stimulators alone.
News
The Science and Practice of LOUD: Empowering People with Parkinson disease.
"Life With a Battery-Operated Brain, A Patient's Guide to Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease"
Parkinson's Action Network 15th Annual Research and Public Policy
The Parkinson Alliance attended The National VA Parkinson's Disease Consortium.
The Parkinson Alliance was invited to facilitate a presentation about non-motor symptoms in PD, particularly as it relates to speech disturbance, sleep disturbance, and autonomic dysfunction following DBS at the 38th Neural Interfaces Conference. Read more about the points that were conveyed during this presentation.
Fate Lends a Helping Hand
By Valerie Graham
On behalf of DBS-STN.org, I invite you to get involved.
DBS-STN.org is committed to helping improve the quality of life of DBS-STN patients and their caregivers. Through patient and caregiver surveys, we are not only asking questions but providing answers that will help the DBS-STN community. Please join us in coming together, discussing issues, and answering questions.
For your convenience, we've also added links to the latest health-related news stories.
Margaret Tuchman, Founder of DBS-STN.org, President of The Parkinson Alliance, and DBS-STN patient 12/00
Find a DBS programmer
Finding a DBS programmer in your area can be challenging but very important for the longterm care and maintenance of neurostimulator implants. We have recently launched a website, www.dbsprogrammer.com, that is now available to help current and future patients find DBS programmers. Programmers are registered by state and each will have their own web page with biographical information and appointment scheduling information. Individuals or patients can also register for updates that are sent when new programmers are added. Help build this much needed database by asking your programmer to register.
Health News