Neuroengineering: Parkinson's Disease and Deep Brain Stimulation

This lecture focuses on the neuroengineering aspects of Parkinson's disease, particularly the role of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in treatment. It begins with an overview of Parkinson's disease symptoms, including stooped posture, rigidity, and tremors, highlighting the degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway and the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. The instructor discusses the various dopamine pathways and the significance of the nigrostriatal pathway as a key neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The lecture then delves into the stages of the disease, emphasizing the Braak staging system and its implications for understanding disease progression. The discussion transitions to the mechanisms and therapeutic effects of DBS, including its ability to modulate neural activity and improve motor symptoms. The lecture also covers the technical aspects of DBS systems, including electrode configurations and stimulation parameters, as well as the potential adverse effects of the treatment. Overall, the lecture provides a comprehensive overview of the intersection between neuroengineering and Parkinson's disease treatment.