An estimated 6 million people worldwide currently live with Parkinson’s disease (PD), a number expected to double by 2040. While deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used for nearly three decades to help manage some Parkinson’s symptoms, awareness and understanding of the therapy remain important barriers to consideration.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) and Medtronic are working together to help close that knowledge gap, empowering more patients and families to explore their treatment options and have informed conversations with their care teams.
Medtronic, the premier partner of MJFF’s DBS education initiative, has supported DBS therapy for more than 30 years and served more than 200,000 people with movement disorders and other conditions globally. In 2025, the company introduced the world’s first FDA approved adaptive DBS system for Parkinson’s disease.
Through support from Medtronic, the Foundation will release educational materials to guide people considering DBS. Support from industry partners allows MJFF to maintain editorial oversight in the creation of high quality resources, while directing donor raised dollars toward critical research.
A dedicated online hub, practical guide, interactive webinar and additional programming will provide accessible information about how DBS works, its potential benefits and risks, preparing for surgery, adjusting to life with a DBS device, and sharing the latest research advances.
Resources are available today at michaeljfox.org/dbs, home of “The Live On with DBS Education Hub” powered by The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Helping More People Understand Their Options
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disease that can affect movement, sleep, mood, cognition, and other functions. Symptoms and progression vary from person to person, and there is currently no cure or treatment proven to stop the disease’s progression. As the number of people living with Parkinson’s continues to grow, access to trusted information about available treatment options is increasingly important.
Often described as a cardiac pacemaker for the brain, DBS uses a surgically implanted device to deliver electrical signals to specific areas of the brain that control movement. Although DBS isn’t appropriate for everyone with Parkinson’s, it can help some people better manage their symptoms. DBS is used alongside medication, and some patients may be able to reduce their medication use.
Since its inception in 2000, MJFF has funded more than $29 million in DBS research for Parkinson’s. This work includes exploring new brain targets and improving technology to address more symptoms and enhance treatment experience.
The Foundation also funds the Registry for the Advancement of Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease (RAD PD), which collects clinician and patient data to help guide care decisions and improve understanding of DBS outcomes, settings, side effects and access.
