Researchers to Study DBS for Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease

The EARLYSTIM study differs from the projected study in significant ways. For example, the European investigators allowed participants between ages 18 and 60 to enroll in the study, although the average age of onset of Parkinson’s disease is approximately 60. Enrolling patients younger than 50 increases the likelihood that some of the patients may be discovered later to have a related condition instead of Parkinson’s disease, said Dr. Charles. Eligible participants also had had Parkinson’s disease for more than four years and experienced fluctuations or dyskinesia for three years or less. “These people, by definition, were mid-stage patients,” and not early-stage patients, explained Dr. Charles.

—Erik Greb