More than five million people worldwide suffer from Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder that causes debilitating tremors and can make the simplest tasks, such as getting out of a chair, almost impossible.
The disease is caused by a degeneration in a region of the brain known as the basal ganglia, and while it occurs mainly in older people, it is more common in men.
But a procedure known as Deep Brain Stimulation, in which electrodes are implanted into the brain and connected to a battery pack in the chest, is bringing much needed relief.
Reporter Yasmeen Qureshi travels to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in the US to witness a patient undergo the procedure.
She also meets other patients, such as Parkinson’s disease sufferer David Smith, and sees for herself the life-changing impact the device has on quality of life.
Watch The Cure on Tuesday: 2230; Wednesday: 0930; Thursday: 0330; Friday: 1630; Saturday: 2230; Sunday: 0930; Monday: 0330; Tuesday: 1630 GMT.
Join the conversation on Facebook and on Twitter.
Source: Al Jazeera