How Brain Stimulation Can Reduce Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease progressively impairs mobility, often leaving patients unable to walk in advanced stages. A promising therapeutic approach for these individuals is deep brain stimulation (DBS), often referred to as a brain pacemaker. Recent research by scientists at Ruhr University Bochum and Philipps-Universität Marburg in Germany has explored how stimulating specific brain regions can improve ambulatory capacity and enhance quality of life for Parkinson's patients.

Using a cutting-edge technique called optogenetics, which involves activating or inhibiting nerve cells with light, researchers investigated the potential of stimulating the inferior colliculus—a brain area primarily known for processing auditory information—to promote mobility. Their study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that such stimulation activates the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), which directly influences movement.

Deep brain stimulation typically targets the basal ganglia, such as the subthalamic nucleus, but the new findings highlight alternative pathways outside these regions. Notably, the inferior colliculus is not affected by Parkinson's, yet its stimulation seems to activate motor pathways involved in movement control. This research builds on previous studies in rats, where stimulation of the inferior colliculus was shown to overcome mobility restrictions.

The team employed sophisticated optogenetic methods, which involve genetically modifying nerve cells to produce light-sensitive proteins. Miniature optical fibers deliver precise light pulses to specific brain regions, allowing targeted activation. During experiments, electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that stimulation of the inferior colliculus increased activity in the MLR, with some nerve cells being inhibited to fine-tune responses.

This approach offers valuable insights into new therapeutic avenues. By revealing how circuits outside the traditional basal ganglia pathways can influence motor function, researchers aim to develop innovative strategies to manage Parkinson's symptoms more effectively. While clinical applications are still in development, this foundational research marks an important step toward more targeted and refined treatments.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-brain-alleviates-symptoms-parkinson-disease.html