Mapping the brain network linked to movement and freezing in Parkinson's disease
Precision mapping of Parkinson's Disease pathophysiology in the Somato-Cognitive Action Network’s DBS targets
Using advanced brain mapping to find the network connections that cause movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease so treatments like deep brain stimulation can be targeted more precisely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252354 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You'll receive advanced, noninvasive brain scans that map how the Somato-Cognitive Action Network (SCAN) connects to deep brain areas used in DBS. The team will compare these connection maps with symptoms such as freezing of gait, slow movement, sleep and autonomic problems and with surgical recordings when available. They will look for specific connectivity patterns that seem to drive those symptoms. The goal is to use those maps to guide more precise stimulation targets and improve symptom control.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Parkinson's disease who experience freezing of gait, bradykinesia, or related autonomic/arousal symptoms, and those being considered for DBS, are the most likely candidates to participate.
Not a fit: People without Parkinson's disease, or whose symptoms come from unrelated conditions, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors pick better DBS targets or other treatments to reduce freezing, improve movement, and address related symptoms in Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has used brain connectivity to guide DBS and link circuits to outcomes, but applying the newly described SCAN mapping to Parkinson's DBS targets is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gordon, Evan M. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Gordon, Evan M.
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.