| CPC A61N 1/36139 (2013.01) | 21 Claims | 

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               1. A method of adapting the operation of an implantable device for delivering neurostimulation therapy to a patient, the method comprising: 
            delivering the neurostimulation therapy to electrically excitable tissue of the patient according to at least one therapy parameter; 
                measuring a physiological characteristic of the patient; 
                adjusting the at least one therapy parameter according to a schedule of adjustment and the measured physiological characteristic; and 
                repeating the delivering, measuring, and adjusting; 
                wherein the adjusting the at least one therapy parameter comprises determining whether the measured physiological characteristic indicates physical ageing of the patient at a rate different from an expected rate, and adjusting the at least one therapy parameter according to the schedule of adjustments if the measured physiological characteristic does not indicate physical ageing of the patient at a rate different from the expected rate. 
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