Adaptive deep brain stimulation to reduce harmful brain rhythms
Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Controlling Abnormal Neural Synchronization and Oscillations
A computer-guided closed-loop deep brain stimulation approach aims to reduce harmful synchronized brain activity for people with Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's-related brain rhythm problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Jose State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Jose, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129664 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are building computer models and machine-learning systems that could control DBS devices automatically by detecting abnormal brain rhythms and adjusting stimulation in real time. The team will run detailed computer simulations (in-silico) to design and test closed-loop, multi-input multi-output stimulation strategies focused on breaking up pathological neural synchrony. They will explore stimulation patterns that produce lasting changes through neural plasticity so benefits might continue after stimulation stops. Findings are intended to guide future laboratory and clinical testing rather than recruit patients now.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's-related cognitive symptoms who show abnormal brain oscillations and who would be considered candidates for DBS therapies are the most likely future candidates.
Not a fit: People whose symptoms are well controlled with medication, who do not have abnormal neural synchrony, or who are not candidates for brain stimulation are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to DBS systems that automatically tune stimulation to reduce symptoms and decrease the need for frequent clinical reprogramming.
How similar studies have performed: Closed-loop DBS and responsive stimulation have shown promising early results in epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, but the specific MIMO model-based closed-loop framework proposed here is largely novel and primarily tested in simulations so far.
Where this research is happening
San Jose, United States
- San Jose State University — San Jose, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Gautam — San Jose State University
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Gautam
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.