Parkinson's, depression and the switch that might turn them off

Parkinson's, depression and the switch that might turn them off

As a lover of TED talks, I was drawn to do my first neuro note on a TED talk.  This TED talk caught my attention because the title indicated that it was about Parkinson's and depression, both conditions that affect people I know and love.

This TED talk was made by a neurosurgeon, Dr. Andres Lozano.  In this talk, he spoke about a new treatment technique called deep brain stimulation.  Deep brain stimulation allows circuits in the brain to be "dialed up and down" on hyperactive or hypoactive areas in the brain.  This procedure requires the surgeon to make a dime sized hole in the skull and the placement of an electrode into the desired area of the brain.  The electrodes can adjust the circuits in the brain to help with movement, mood, and cognition disorders.  Dr. Lozano then provided a few examples of deep brain stimulation and its effects in various conditions.  He showed how the deep brain stimulation stopped the shaking of a lady with Parkinson's, reversed the effects of dystonia, and improved the mood dysfunction of depression.

Seeing the ways this new technology can drastically improve and even save the lives of many was inspiring and uplifting to see.  I enjoyed seeing another way that these neurological conditions can be improved.  As an OT, I am excited to see advances in medicine that can improve quality of life and give an individual a full life.  I highly encourage you to watch the video for yourself (link below) and see what a difference this technology can make in the prognosis of patients with these disorders.


Lozano, A. (2013, January). Parkinson's, depression and the switch that might turn them off [Video file]. TED Talk, Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/andres_lozano_parkinson_s_depression_and_the_switch_that_might_turn_them_off#t-918696