Personalizing deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease
Pathophysiology-based approaches to deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease
This project aims to personalize deep brain stimulation for people with Parkinson's by using each person's brain activity and symptoms to guide where and how stimulation is given.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162403 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team will record brain activity in key areas involved in Parkinson's (like the subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus, and parts of the cortex) to map circuit changes. They will compare brain signals during motor symptoms, after L‑dopa medication, and under different DBS settings. The researchers will analyze oscillations, coherence, and connectivity that link brain activity to motor and cognitive effects. That information will be used to refine DBS targets and settings so therapy can be tailored to an individual's symptom and cognitive profile.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with Parkinson's who are considering DBS or who already have STN or GPi implants and can attend testing and follow-up at the University of Minnesota.
Not a fit: People whose symptoms are well controlled without surgery, who are not eligible for DBS, or who cannot travel to Minneapolis are unlikely to be helped directly by this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve motor symptom control and reduce cognitive side effects by tailoring DBS to each patient's brain patterns.
How similar studies have performed: Deep brain stimulation is a proven treatment for Parkinson's, and early work using brain-circuit signals to guide or adapt stimulation has shown promise but is still an emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vitek, Jerrold L — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Vitek, Jerrold L
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.