Parkinson's is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder next to dementia. It's mainly caused by the degeneration of the dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra region and manifests as tremors, rigidity, gait abnormalities, and other movement disorders. However, the clinically early stage of Parkinson's is not easy to diagnose as it looks very similar to senile degeneration. Patients tend to seek medical assistance when the disease is already severe.

A more precise, early diagnosis of Parkinson's: The exosome analysis test

The severity level of Parkinson's is currently decided by the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale. The scale has been developed through face-to-face interactions and findings between clinical professionals and patients. In addition, our team found that red blood cells of patients with Parkinson's develop exosomes that are higher than people without the disease but were of the same age in terms of size and concentration. They were closely correlated with the severity of signs and symptoms. This was most significant among male patients. An exosome analysis test can significantly increase the early diagnosis (examination) rate of Parkinson's disease in the future, and patient treatment and follow-up of disease progression and medical management. Once a patient is diagnosed with Parkinson's, the patient is usually started on medication to elevate intracerebral dopamine, such as levodopa, whereas as the disease progresses, the drug may lead to some movement-related side effects, i.e., movement disorders, and gradually lose efficacy. Surgical approaches are then considered.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy as one of the most effective surgical approaches for Parkinson's

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) can be used to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's, including bradykinesia, movement disorders, muscle stiffness, and tremors. DBS has now become one of the most effective surgical approaches to treat Parkinson's. In principle, patients undergoing electrosurgery in hospital usually have electrodes implanted in the bilateral subthalamic nucleuses simultaneously; once the electrodes on both sides are powered up simultaneously, the patient can walk with ease and experience a significantly improved quality of life and require significantly less oral medication.

DBS surgery shows immediate effects with excellent results following a customized regime

DBS for controlling the effects of Parkinson's has been proven to be a safe and effective therapy; its major advantages are the immediate universal effects (bilateral effects), and that it can provide personalized adjustments based on individual conditions (customized regime), and reduce the drug burden and sequelae (restorable).