Understanding Brain Changes in Parkinson Disease and Thinking Problems

Project III: Cingulo-Opercular Task Control Network Cholinergic Dysfunction in PD

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11160610

This work aims to better understand why people with Parkinson disease experience thinking and memory problems, focusing on specific brain networks.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11160610 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many people with Parkinson disease (PD) experience difficulties with thinking and memory, which can be challenging to treat. This research looks at how different brain systems, especially a network called the Cingulo-Opercular Task Control network, contribute to these cognitive changes. By studying a group of people with PD, researchers hope to identify specific patterns of brain changes, particularly in a chemical messenger called acetylcholine. This will help us understand why some people with PD develop certain cognitive issues and others do not.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for patients with Parkinson disease who experience cognitive deficits, particularly those in early to moderate stages of the disease.

Not a fit: Patients without Parkinson disease or those whose cognitive issues are not related to the specific brain networks being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more personalized treatments and better ways to predict and manage cognitive challenges for individuals with Parkinson disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this center has identified varied cholinergic deficits in Parkinson disease, providing a foundation for this deeper exploration into cognitive impairments.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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 2026-06-09 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.