Investigating brain activity related to attention and motivation in monkeys with Parkinson's disease
Official title: Novelty and valence encoding in the zona incerta in parkinsonian monkeys
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11071443 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the zona incerta works in monkeys with Parkinson's disease to see how it affects their attention and movement when they encounter new or rewarding things, which could help us understand more about the challenges people with Parkinson's face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS141610-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071443 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Parkinson's disease, particularly those experiencing motivational and attentional challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Parkinson's disease or those with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific brain region, the zona incerta, functions in monkeys that have Parkinson's disease. By examining the electrical activity of neurons in this area, the study aims to uncover how these neurons respond to different stimuli that are either positive or novel. The researchers will use advanced techniques to record brain activity while the monkeys perform tasks that require attention and movement. This could help clarify the role of the zona incerta in the motivational deficits often seen in Parkinson's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the mechanisms behind motivation and attention deficits in Parkinson's disease, potentially informing future treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While the zona incerta has been studied in other contexts, this specific investigation into its role in Parkinson's disease is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Magnusson, Natalia Noel — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Magnusson, Natalia Noel
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.