Abstract Details

Title Deep Brain Stimulation in Elderly Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Topic Movement Disorders

Presentation(s) P1 - Poster Session 1 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 17-017

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and safety of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in elderly patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), focusing on motor function, quality of life, cognition, mortality, complications, and age-related differences.

Background With the aging population, more patients with PD are reaching advanced ages when motor complications become harder to manage. DBS is effective in PD, but its outcomes in older patients remain less well defined, highlighting the need for clearer evidence to guide treatment decisions.

Design/Methods Cohort and comparative studies were included. Random-effects meta-analyses
assessed quality of life (PDQ-39), motor function (UPDRS-III), cognition (MMSE),
mortality, and complication rates. Subgroup analyses were performed by age
thresholds (≥65, ≥70, ≥75 years).

Results Sixteen studies encompassing 734 patients were analyzed. DBS significantly improved
quality of life (MD = -8.75; 95% CI: -15.17 to -2.33), though the effect was not
significant in patients ≥75 years. Motor function improved substantially (MD = –13.92;
95% CI: –19.49 to –8.35), and benefit persisted in patients ≥75 years (MD = –9.24;
95% CI: –15.09 to –3.39), whereas results for those ≥70 years were not statistically
significant. Cognition remained stable, with no significant differences in MMSE overall
(MD = 0.12; 95% CI: –0.37 to 0.61) or in subgroup analyses. Mortality was estimated at
5% (95% CI: 2–11%), with high heterogeneity, particularly in patients ≥70 years, but no
evidence of excess risk directly attributable to DBS. Complication rates did not differ
significantly between elderly and younger patients (RR = 1.43; 95% CI: 0.32–6.32).
Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of findings.

Conclusions DBS provides meaningful motor and quality-of-life benefits for elderly PD patients while
preserving global cognition and without a clear increase in complication risk. Benefits
may be attenuated in those ≥75 years, and mortality outcomes are influenced by age
and comorbidity. Careful patient selection remains essential when considering DBS in
older populations.

Authors/Disclosures
Ygor Roberto R. Soares, MD PRESENTER	Dr. Soares has nothing to disclose.
João Vitor A. Fernandes, Medical Student	Mr. Fernandes has nothing to disclose.
Maria Antonia O. Machado Pereira	Miss Machado Pereira has nothing to disclose.
Ocilio R. Goncalves, MS	Mr. Goncalves has nothing to disclose.
Victor Arthur A. Ohannesian, MS	Mr. Ohannesian has nothing to disclose.
Anderson Matheus P da Silva, Sr., PhD	Prof. P da Silva has nothing to disclose.
Joao Victor Pereira Gonzalez, Bsc	Mr. Pereira Gonzalez has nothing to disclose.
Murilo D. Mancilha, Student	Mr. Mancilha has nothing to disclose.
Kelson J. Almeida, PhD	Prof. Almeida has nothing to disclose.

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