Brain network synchrony and movement problems in Parkinson's disease
The Pathophysiology of Network Synchrony in Parkinson's Disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11167796
This project looks at whether short bursts of abnormal brain network synchrony cause stiffness and slow movement in people with Parkinson's disease and whether medications or deep brain stimulation reduce those bursts.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11167796 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will record brain activity and detailed movement measurements in people with Parkinson's, comparing moments when symptoms start and when movement is smoother. The team focuses on brief, changing patterns of synchrony across the basal ganglia, thalamus, and cortex instead of only steady signals. They will compare brain and movement recordings on and off dopaminergic medication and before/after deep brain stimulation to see how treatments alter these synchrony events. The work is done at UT Southwestern using human recordings to link network dynamics with real-world motor problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with Parkinson's disease who experience bradykinesia and rigidity, including candidates for or recipients of deep brain stimulation.
Not a fit: People without Parkinson's or whose symptoms are mainly cognitive or psychiatric rather than movement-related are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help tailor medications or DBS timing/settings to prevent harmful brain synchrony and improve movement initiation and stiffness.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked sustained beta synchrony to Parkinson's motor symptoms and shown that DBS and dopaminergic drugs can reduce that activity, but focusing on brief, dynamic synchrony is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: POURATIAN, NADER — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: POURATIAN, NADER
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.