Ruth

Director Michael Frantzis' Ruth offers a profile of an articulate but slightly anxious British woman in her mid-to-late 30s who charmingly (if somewhat haltingly) demonstrates the effectiveness of a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) implant—similar to a heart pacemaker—which helps reduce the disabling symptoms of Parkinson's disease. An engaging personality, Ruth serves up eloquent anecdotes that reveal an upbeat, tenacious woman who's also sensibly pragmatic about the disease she has struggled with for 12 years, discussing how the physical and psychological challenges of Parkinson's left her isolated from friends and family. About 20 minutes into this half-hour film, Ruth uses a remote control to turn off her implanted DBS device (connected to electrodes implanted deep in the brain), which results in a dramatically rapid increase in her visible and verbal Parkinson's symptoms. This one action speaks volumes about the importance of DBS research, the mysteries of the human brain, and the practical benefits of applications in cutting-edge biotechnology. Allowing for a few cultural references specific to England, Ruth's highly personal story has universal relevance for Parkinson's patients and their loved ones. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Shannon)