MRI to predict how deep brain stimulation will affect movement and thinking in Parkinson's

MULTIMODAL MRI TO PREDICT DBS MOTOR AND COGNITIVE OUTCOMES IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11159395

This project uses advanced MRI scans to help doctors predict whether deep brain stimulation will improve movement and affect thinking in people with Parkinson's disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11159395 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would get advanced brain scans before DBS surgery to map how different parts of your brain are connected. The team will use functional MRI and diffusion MRI to measure brain networks and then compare those scans to motor and cognitive outcomes one year after DBS. By linking specific MRI patterns to good motor responses or risk of thinking problems, they aim to guide which patients and brain targets are most likely to benefit.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with Parkinson's disease who are considering or planning deep brain stimulation surgery are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are not eligible for DBS (for example due to severe dementia or major medical risks) or who are not undergoing DBS would not directly benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help choose the best candidates and brain targets for DBS to increase motor benefit and reduce cognitive side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research using functional and diffusion MRI has suggested links between brain connectivity and DBS outcomes, but reliable, widely used MRI predictors across targets are not yet established.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.