Parkinson’s disease is an unrelenting condition that slowly erodes motor functions to the point that patients are often confined to a wheelchair. Though there is no cure, the development of treatments to address the effects has been a priority in the healthcare world. A recent Interesting Engineering article discussed the latest development that could help Parkinson’s patients regain mobility.
The treatment is a spinal cord implant, and it has already helped three paralyzed people walk again. The device mimics how the brain sends signals to muscles and stimulates the brain regulator that identifies the need for more blood when people stand up. Though the concept is still new and more studies need to be conducted, the team is hopeful it will improve the quality of life for Parkinson’s sufferers.
