Disease

Parkinson’s disease is usually treated with certain medications that increase the availability of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a messenger substance that transmits information between nerve cells in the brain and thus plays an important role in the function of our brain. By increasing dopamine in the brain, the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease improve. In the brain there are receptors, so-called receptors, that absorb dopamine and pass it on to the cells. Sometimes, a high availability of dopamine in the brain can lead to sensory overload of these dopamine receptors. This is referred to as overstimulation. This overstimulation can occur in areas of the brain that are responsible for controlling pleasure-oriented behavior. As a result, impulse control disorders can occur in those affected.

Known impulse control disorders include, for example, uncontrolled binge eating, uncontrolled shopping behavior, gambling addiction, increased sexual desire, and compulsive repetitive activities such as sorting. In many cases, mild forms of these behavioral problems can be improved by reducing Parkinson’s medication. In severe forms, however, the reduction in medication can result in motor complaints worsening or withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. This makes the treatment of impulse control disorder much more difficult.

Deep brain stimulation has a similar effect on Parkinson’s symptoms as Parkinson’s medication. Therefore, after deep brain stimulation surgery, the intake of Parkinson’s medication can be reduced by about 40-50%. This significant reduction in medication also significantly reduces impulse control disorders. So far, no well-developed studies have been conducted that deal with impulse control disorders in this area. Therefore, this study will investigate the effect of deep brain stimulation on impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease compared to the best possible recommended medical treatment.