Roland Kendrick , who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in his 40s, became one of the first patients in Florida to undergo deep-brain stimulation ten years ago. As The Lakeland Ledgerreports in this update on the procedure, Kendrick at 65 is still able to hunt, fish and enjoy other activities.
While it is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease, deep-brain stimulation has become common for those in advanced stages; about 100,000 patients have undergone the procedure.
It involves the implantation of a battery-operated pulse generator -- similar to a pacemaker -- under the skin, with wires snaking up to the skull. The pulses, which are automatic, need periodic adjustment, and batteries have to be replaced every couple of years.