Cognitive Decline Following Deep Brain Stimulation: A DBS-fMRI Study

Launched by MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · Apr 28, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a treatment for Parkinson's Disease, might affect thinking and memory in patients. The researchers want to understand the impact of DBS on brain networks, specifically looking at whether it could lead to cognitive decline or problems with thinking. To do this, they will invite 55 participants who have had DBS surgery to take part in the study. They will attend two visits where they will undergo tests to evaluate their cognitive abilities and brain activity with the stimulation turned on and off.

To participate in this study, individuals must be over 18 years old and have a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. They should have already been evaluated by a neurologist and selected for DBS surgery. However, people with certain conditions, such as uncorrected vision or hearing problems, pregnancy, or other neurological diseases, will not be eligible to join. During the visits, participants can expect to spend about three hours each time for assessments that will help researchers learn how to better select patients for surgery and improve stimulation techniques to avoid negative effects on thinking.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Subjects above 18 years of age
• • Individuals with a PD diagnosis as defined by the UK Brain Bank diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease (58) which have undergone a neurological and neuropsychological evaluation at MUSCs movement disorder center, and were selected to undergo 3T compatible unilateral or bilateral STN- DBS implants
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Uncorrected visual or hearing impairments, as indicated by self-report
• • Individuals who are pregnant or expect to become pregnant during the course of the study
• • Individuals that have a history of neurological disease (other than PD) including previous stroke, major head trauma, and epilepsy or seizures.
• • Individuals with claustrophobia, or the inability to lie supine position in the MRI scanner
• • COPD with oxygen dependence
• • Non-MRI compatible metal implants (surgical clips or staples, cardiac pacemakers etc.)