DETROIT – More than one million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease, facing challenges like tremors, coordination difficulties, and declining quality of life.
The Problem
Traditional medications often come with significant side effects and can lose effectiveness over time. For Evonne Simoff, diagnosed 12 years ago, the disease began affecting basic daily activities.
“I was having trouble writing, trouble chopping while cooking, and using my right hand,” Simoff explains. “Then I started trembling on the left side.” At just over 40 years old, Parkinson’s wasn’t on her radar. Over time, medication became less effective at controlling worsening symptoms.
The Solution
Enter the latest advancement in Parkinson’s treatment: an artificial intelligence-powered deep brain stimulation (DBS) system. Henry Ford Health has become the first in Michigan to implement this cutting-edge technology, offering new hope for patients with severe symptoms that don’t respond well to traditional treatments.
How It Works
Dr. Zehra Farzal, a movement disorder neurologist at Henry Ford Health, explains the technology: “Electric electrodes are implanted into deep brain structures, connected by wiring to a pacemaker-like device in the chest. This allows us to deliver targeted stimulation to specific areas of the brain.”
What sets this system apart is its AI capabilities. The device:
- Reads brain waves in real-time
- Automatically adapts stimulation levels based on patient activity
- Allows manual adjustments when needed
- Provides continuous monitoring and adjustment
Patient Impact
The results were immediate and dramatic for Simoff. “Turning it on was like someone plugged me into the wall socket,” she describes. “I had more energy immediately, more coordination immediately. My muscles worked better. Everything just worked better.”
To demonstrate the device’s effectiveness, Simoff allowed doctors to temporarily turn off the system. The contrast was stark – her tremors immediately returned, showing the profound impact of this technology on her daily life.
“AI can be scary, I know, but this technology is, for me, life-altering,” Simoff shares. “It’s given me my life back.”
Expert Take
Dr. Farzal emphasizes that while revolutionary, this treatment isn’t for everyone. “DBS is reserved for patients with severe symptoms that cannot be controlled with medications,” she notes. “It can be highly effective in situations where we’re not meeting our goals for patient care and quality of life management.”
Looking Forward
This breakthrough represents a significant advance in Parkinson’s treatment, combining traditional DBS therapy with artificial intelligence to create a more responsive and personalized approach to symptom management.
For more information about deep brain stimulation or Parkinson’s disease treatment options, contact Henry Ford Health’s Movement Disorders Clinic.