Abu Dhabi clinic becomes first in region to offer infusion-based Parkinson’s care

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has become the first medical facility in the Gulf region to offer a new, non-invasive infusion therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease, marking a major milestone in the region’s neurological care landscape, WAM reported.

The newly introduced treatment delivers a steady, around-the-clock infusion of levodopa-carbidopa, the gold standard medication for Parkinson’s, through a small subcutaneous pump worn on the body. This continuous delivery method helps eliminate the fluctuations in drug absorption seen with traditional oral medication, providing patients with more consistent symptom control and improved quality of life.

Designed for those who either are not eligible for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery or prefer a less invasive approach, the therapy is available to all patients in advanced stages of the disease. Unlike DBS, which requires frequent post-operative monitoring, this new therapy reduces follow-up visits to just twice a year -- offering both clinical effectiveness and convenience.

“This marks a significant leap in how we approach complex neurological disorders in the UAE and the wider Gulf,” said Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. “As the burden of neurodegenerative diseases grows, our priority is to ensure access to tailored, innovative treatments that meet patients’ evolving needs.”

Dr. Shivam Om Mittal, the lead neurologist behind the treatment, described the system as transformative. “Being the first in the region to roll out this therapy reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of global medical advancements,” he said.

“By expanding our toolkit to include continuous infusion, we now offer a full spectrum of care -- from oral medications to DBS and now this new alternative -- ensuring that each patient receives a plan designed specifically for their needs.”

Comparable in size and function to an insulin pump, the infusion device connects to the skin via a fine tube and delivers medication continuously throughout the day and night. This approach has been shown to significantly reduce motor fluctuations and involuntary movements, two common challenges in advanced Parkinson’s care.

With Parkinson’s now recognized as the fastest-growing neurological condition globally -- and its incidence expected to double by 2040 -- the need for accessible and effective treatment options has become critical. One in every hundred people over the age of 60 is currently affected, with younger diagnoses also on the rise.

As the UAE works toward establishing itself as a global destination for medical innovation, the adoption of cutting-edge therapies like this one underlines its growing leadership in specialized healthcare. Through its multidisciplinary care model -- bringing together neurology, surgery, rehabilitation, and more -- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues to raise the bar for patient-centered treatment across the Middle East.