This procedure eases pressure on the brakes so that people can move faster and walk better with less rigidity and fewer tremors. The researchers caution, however, that this is not a cure. The procedure worked best on patients when they were not taking medication. However, as the disease progresses, many patients have to revert to drugs. The surgery did not relieve other signs of Parkinson's or side effects caused by medication.
Patients can stay in their jobs longer and sometimes stay out of nursing homes.
Parkinson's causes muscle tremors, stiffness and weakness and affects about one in 200 people around the world. Among its more prominent victims are Pope John Paul II, former boxing champion Muhammad Ali, Canadian actor Michael J. Fox and Janet Reno, United States Attorney General. Steven de Sousa is a news services officer with the Department of Public Affairs.