Stanford Professor Pioneers New Parkinson's Treatment with Adaptive Brain Device

Keith Krehbiel, a Stanford University professor, has experienced numerous falls and blackouts, common symptoms of Parkinson's disease, which he was diagnosed with in 1997 at age 42.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive movement disorder affecting an estimated 1.1 million Americans and 10 million people worldwide. Symptoms often begin with a subtle tremor and progress to stiffness, slowed movement, and balance issues, alongside autoimmune problems.

Krehbiel initially continued an active lifestyle, unaware of the disease's full progression. Despite medication, his symptoms intensified over the years, leading to increased falls, a slowed nervous system, and medication side effects such as brain fog and nausea.

The Dawn of Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation (aDBS)

Krehbiel became the first patient in an international clinical trial for an adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) device. This device operates like a brain pacemaker, sensing brain activity in real time and delivering electrical pulses only when needed.

Dr. Helen Bronte-Stewart, a Stanford Medicine professor of neurology and neurological science, led the global trial. Her research focuses on understanding and correcting brain movement control issues. The trial led to the FDA approval of Medtronic's BrainSense aDBS device in February 2025, which Time magazine recognized as one of the 'Best Inventions of 2025'.

Precision vs. Continuous Stimulation

Traditional deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices, used by tens of thousands of Parkinson's patients for two decades, provide continuous electrical stimulation. However, the aDBS device offers a more precise approach by adjusting stimulation based on real-time brain signals, correcting 'brain arrhythmias' associated with Parkinson's.

Collaboration and a Glimpse of the Future

Dr. Helen Bronte-Stewart expressed fulfillment at seeing decades of research culminate in a device that is being adopted globally and positively impacting patients. She believes this development is just the beginning of further advancements.

Scott Stanslaski, a Medtronic engineer who helped invent the aDBS device, highlighted Bronte-Stewart's instrumental role in fostering public-private collaboration and her strong bonds with patient pioneers in the trials.

While not a cure, the aDBS device is described as a 'stable, long-term therapy' with potential to slow Parkinson's progression. It is compared to the evolution of pacemakers from simple, steady rhythms to responsive, adaptive systems.

Transformative Impact on Quality of Life

Patients using the aDBS device have reported improvements, with some stating their disease symptoms revert by at least five years.

Krehbiel, who has had the device since mid-2020, has experienced an almost complete disappearance of hand tremors and a significant reduction in medication, leading to improved cognitive clarity. Though he still experiences some falls and gait issues, the device has significantly improved his quality of life and reduced the severe aspects of Parkinson's.