Keith Krehbiel's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, but also to the devastating impact of Parkinson's disease. He has endured countless injuries, from bike accidents to pickleball mishaps, and even blacked out while climbing stairs. But the most alarming aspect? Falls are a common occurrence for Parkinson's patients.
Parkinson's disease is a relentless nervous system disorder affecting an estimated 1.1 million Americans and 10 million people worldwide. It creeps up slowly, often starting with a barely noticeable tremor in a hand, foot, or jaw. But as time marches on, it tightens its grip, causing stiffness, slow movement, and balance issues, alongside a host of autoimmune complications.
Krehbiel, a former Stanford University professor, has been battling this disease for almost three decades. He was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's at 42, noticing a lack of movement in his left arm and a shaking pinkie finger. Initially, he was unaware of the severity, continuing his active lifestyle. But soon, he had to confront the reality of managing a debilitating condition.
Krehbiel's determination to live with Parkinson's led him to become the first patient in a groundbreaking international clinical trial. This trial introduced an innovative solution: an adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) device. It's like a pacemaker for the brain, monitoring brain activity and delivering electrical pulses only when needed.
Enter Dr. Helen Bronte-Stewart, a Stanford Medicine neurologist dedicated to understanding and fixing brain movement disorders. She led the global multicenter trial for aDBS, which resulted in FDA approval of the device in February 2025. This achievement was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 'Best Inventions of 2025'.
Traditional deep brain stimulation has been used for years, involving the implantation of thin wires in the brain to control electrical rhythms and alleviate tremors. However, the new aDBS device is a game-changer, adjusting stimulation in real-time based on brain signals.
But here's where it gets controversial: While the FDA approval is a significant milestone, it's just one step in a long journey. Dr. Bronte-Stewart emphasizes that these devices are not a cure but a long-term therapy, aiming to slow the progression of Parkinson's. She likens it to early pacemakers, which provided a steady rhythm without sensing the patient's heartbeat.
For Krehbiel, the aDBS device has been life-changing. Since its implantation in 2020, his hand tremor has nearly vanished, and he's reduced medications that caused grogginess. He describes feeling cognitively better, with a clearer mind and a sense of psychological relief.
While Parkinson's remains a challenging condition, the aDBS device offers a glimmer of hope. It may not be a cure, but it's a significant step forward, improving the quality of life for patients like Krehbiel. And this is the part most people miss: the power of innovation to transform lives, even in the face of incurable diseases.
What are your thoughts on the potential of adaptive deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's patients? Do you think it's a promising treatment option, or is it just a temporary solution? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below, and let's continue this important conversation.
