Understanding decision-making in Parkinson's disease using brain stimulation
Official title: Identifying the neural mechanisms of goal-directed decision-making in Parkinson's disease using closed-loop deep brain stimulation
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11035120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain signals affect decision-making in people with Parkinson's disease, especially when it comes to motivation, and aims to find ways to improve their choices and quality of life using a special brain stimulation technique.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $81,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32MH132174-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035120 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience motivation deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not exhibit motivation deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain signals influence decision-making in individuals with Parkinson's disease, particularly focusing on motivation deficits that affect their quality of life. By using closed-loop deep brain stimulation, the study aims to identify specific neural mechanisms that control goal-directed choices. The researchers will analyze brain activity patterns, particularly in the basal ganglia, to understand how these signals can be manipulated to improve decision-making. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapies that can enhance motivation and decision-making abilities in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve motivation and decision-making in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain stimulation techniques to influence decision-making, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoy, Colin — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Hoy, Colin
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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.