Changing brain circuits to improve symptoms in Parkinson's disease

Targeted Cortical Circuit Manipulation in Parkinson's Disease

NIH-funded research Georgetown University · NIH-11059775

This study is looking at new ways to help people with Parkinson's disease feel better by using special tools to adjust brain activity, aiming to improve both movement and other symptoms that affect daily life.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorgetown University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11059775 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on using innovative tools to manipulate specific brain circuits in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) to alleviate both motor and nonmotor symptoms. By targeting the primary motor cortex, the study aims to adjust the activity of certain neurons that are disrupted in PD, potentially restoring more normal brain function. The approach involves collaboration between PD researchers and developers of advanced brain intervention technologies, leveraging findings from both human and animal models. The goal is to explore how these targeted interventions can lead to improvements in the quality of life for PD patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience motor and nonmotor symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not exhibit significant motor or emotional symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve motor and emotional symptoms for patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using targeted neural modulation to improve symptoms in Parkinson's disease, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Washington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.