'Smart' brain device treats Parkinson's

Italian researchers say they've developed a "smart" implantable brain pacemaker to help reduce symptoms in Parkinson's disease sufferers. The device can deliver electrical stimulation to areas of the brain that control movement to block the abnormal nerve signals that cause symptoms such as trembling, stiffness and slowed movement, Italy's ANSA news agency reported Friday. The "smart" surgically implanted device from Milan University is able to monitor the patient's neuron activity to determine exactly where the electrical impulses are needed before delivering them, researchers said. The technology, called deep brain stimulation, should provide a significant increase in Parkinson's patients' ability to carry out everyday tasks, experts said. Patients who have traditional DBS brain pacemakers can have them upgraded to the new "smart" technology, researchers said.