Harnessing Technology to Transform Parkinson’s Treatment

A Q&A with Ihtsham Haq, M.D.

For almost two decades, Ihtsham Haq, M.D., chief of the Division of Movement Disorders with the University of Miami Health System, has devoted his career to caring for people with Parkinson’s disease and leading clinical research on how to improve both diagnosis and treatment. His work has focused on using advanced technologies, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and artificial intelligence, to make care more precise, timely and accessible.

In his time with UHealth, he has collaborated on pivotal trials, overseen a growing network of clinical and research specialists and helped expand the university’s reach through multiple “Center of Excellence” designations. He shared his valuable time with us to discuss how technology is changing the outlook for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

What is adaptive DBS (deep brain stimulation) technology, and how is it impacting the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?

Dr. Haq: Traditional DBS has been life-changing for many people with Parkinson’s disease. It uses electrodes implanted in the brain to deliver electrical stimulation that helps smooth out movement and eliminate tremor.

Adaptive DBS takes this a step further. It uses real-time feedback from brain activity to automatically adjust the level of stimulation throughout the day. That means the device can deliver more targeted treatment when symptoms flare and ease off when things are more stable. It’s smarter and more responsive, and early studies, including work we’re involved in, show it may reduce side effects like dyskinesia while improving overall symptom control.

How are mobile applications used to monitor symptoms, adjust treatment, and help with Parkinson’s care?

Dr. Haq:  Mobile apps are helping us close the loop between visits. Patients can log symptoms like tremor, slowness, or medication effects as they happen, which gives us a much clearer picture of how they’re doing day to day.

Some apps can even use the phone’s sensors to passively measure movement, balance or gait speed. That data can guide medication adjustments, identify patterns that patients may not even notice and support more personalized care. It also helps patients stay engaged with their own treatment, which is powerful in and of itself.

Are there wearable devices that can track the symptoms of Parkinson’s?

Dr. Haq: Yes, there are a variety of such devices. The most common of them function like smartwatches (or are apps on existing smartwatches) that collect continuous movement and sleep data, often using accelerometers or gyroscopes, and then use software algorithms to translate those signals into symptom scores.

At UM, we’re working with both commercial and research tools to better understand what’s happening between visits. This kind of data helps us track progression and see how people are responding to treatment. We hope it will eventually predict when someone might be at risk for medical issues, such as falling or faster progression.

What other notable advancements have happened?

Dr. Haq:  One of the most exciting areas is the use of artificial intelligence to analyze video or sensor data and score Parkinson’s symptoms with high accuracy. We’re piloting systems that can record simple movements during a clinic visit — or even at home — and automatically generate a score that reflects how someone is doing. This could standardize assessments across providers, reduce variability and give us more frequent, objective data points to guide care.

Another area is remote patient monitoring, where sensors and apps allow us to follow patients in real time without them needing to come into the clinic as often.

How are these treatment options and technologies improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease?

Dr. Haq: I’ve had patients with DBS who were able to reduce their medication burden and feel more “like themselves” throughout the day — less foggy and less jittery.

Wearable sensors have shown patterns of medication wearing off earlier than expected, which can lead to simple timing changes that can make a huge difference.

These tools can really give patients more control over their daily lives.

Is there anything else people should know about treating people with Parkinson’s?

Dr. Haq: Parkinson’s disease is incredibly personal. No two people experience it in quite the same way. Technology allows us to move from one-size-fits-all care to something more nuanced, responsive and supportive.

It won’t replace the human connection, but it can enhance it, letting us tailor treatment in ways we couldn’t before. At the University of Miami, we’re proud to be at the forefront of that shift.

Written by Wyatt Myers, a contributor for UHealth.

Tags: Digital Health Innovations, Dr. Ihtsham Haq, Medical Technology Advancements, Parkinson's Disease Monitoring, Predictive Analytics in Healthcar