Treatments for Parkinson disease such as drugs (levodopa) or surgery (deep-brain stimulation) can lead to significant improvements in many symptoms. However, the impact of these treatments on communication and cognition is not well understood. When deciding to undergo deep-brain surgery, each patient and his/her physician weigh the risks and benefits of the surgery. One of the factors physicians consider is the effect of the surgery on communication and cognition. A better understanding of what patients are likely to benefit and what patients may see a decline with surgery would assist in determine candidacy for surgery and help patients and physicians to make informed decisions.
Patients who are considering deep-brain surgery are enrolled through the Neurology Department at IU School of Medicine. Contact Dr. Zauber for more information about enrolling.
Collaborators:
S. Elizabeth Zauber
Funding Provided by:
IU Health Values Grant