The mystery of the human brain
The human brain, one of the most complex structures in the body, presents an enigma that has fascinated scientists for decades. Unlike organs such as the lungs or the heart, which operate with easily understood mechanisms, the dynamics of electrochemical impulses circulating in neurons remains an unknown field. What influence do substances that act between neurons have? And what is the importance of the connections between the various brain regions? These questions are fundamental, but research does not stop at their complexity.
Traditional approaches to the treatment of Parkinson’s
Historically, Parkinson’s treatment has included techniques ranging from trepanations to lobotomies to electroconvulsive therapies. Although some of these approaches have proven to be effective, they are often perceived as drastic methods, comparable to trying to solve a computer problem with a blow of a hammer. Among these techniques are deep brain stimulators, which act as pacemakers for the nervous system, sending small electrical shocks to relieve Parkinson’s symptoms in certain patients.
Artificial intelligence as an ally
Recently, an innovative study has integrated artificial intelligence into the operation of these devices. Although the research was conducted with a small group of patients due to the difficulty and cost of the devices, the results have been promising. The researchers began by identifying which symptoms were most bothersome to the patients, who generally reported involuntary movements or difficulty initiating movement, despite prior treatment.
Encouraging results and future of treatment
After an algorithm training period, participants received an adaptive deep brain stimulation device. In a comparative experiment, conventional therapies were alternated with this new technology. The results were surprising: patients experienced a significant reduction of approximately 50% in the symptoms they had initially identified as the most bothersome. This improvement was achieved thanks to machine learning, which made it possible to adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation according to the particular needs of each patient.
Looking to the future
This advance represents a significant step in the fight against Parkinson’s and opens the door to future studies that could expand the use of artificial intelligence in other areas of medicine. As technology advances, the promise of more personalized and efficient treatment for neurological diseases becomes increasingly tangible.
