Improving deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease using biomarkers
Official title: An Integrated Biomarker Approach to Personalized, Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson Disease
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11019683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to make deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease even better by using real-time signals from your body to automatically adjust the treatment, which could help reduce symptoms like tremors and stiffness for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $910,776 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS129898-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who are considering or currently undergoing deep brain stimulation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Parkinson's disease or those who are not candidates for deep brain stimulation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for Parkinson's disease by using physiological biomarkers to adjust stimulation parameters automatically. The approach aims to personalize treatment by recording signals related to motor symptoms and dynamically adjusting the stimulation in real-time. By integrating multiple biomarkers, the study seeks to optimize DBS therapy over various time scales, potentially leading to better management of symptoms like tremors and rigidity. Patients may experience improved outcomes through this innovative method of treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using adaptive DBS techniques, indicating potential for success with this integrated biomarker approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turner, Dennis Alan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Turner, Dennis Alan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Effects of DBS on voice, swallowing, and coughing in Parkinson’s disease
This grant tests how deep brain stimulation targeting different brain regions affects voice, swallowing, and coughing in people with Parkinson’s disease.
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Personalized adaptive deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease
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-
How brain stimulation affects voice, swallowing, and cough in Parkinson's
This project compares two common deep brain stimulation targets and different settings to understand how they affect voice, swallowing, and coughing in people with Parkinson's disease.
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Investigating how deep brain stimulation affects voice and swallowing in Parkinson's disease
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Cerebellar Deep Brain Stimulation for Spinocerebellar Ataxias
A preliminary clinical trial will test delivering electrical stimulation to the cerebellum in people with spinocerebellar ataxia to see if it improves balance and coordination.
-
Protein aggregation and brain changes in Parkinson’s-related dementia
A study of brain tissue from people with Parkinson’s to understand how protein clumps and nerve cell loss relate to dementia.
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.