Understanding how brain signals affect impulse control in Parkinson's disease

“Cortical electrophysiology of response inhibition and implications for DBS therapy in patients

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-10930888

This study is looking at how deep brain stimulation can help people with Parkinson's disease manage their impulses and movements better, by exploring how different parts of the brain work together, and it aims to find ways to make this treatment even more effective for both movement and thinking.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-10930888 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how deep brain stimulation (DBS) affects impulse control and motor control in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). It focuses on the connections between the prefrontal cortex and the subthalamic nucleus, which are crucial for inhibiting unwanted actions. By comparing patients on and off levodopa therapy to healthy controls, the study aims to uncover the underlying brain mechanisms involved in response inhibition. The findings could lead to improved DBS programming that considers cognitive and behavioral outcomes, not just motor improvements.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience issues with impulse control and motor function.

Not a fit: Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not experience impulsivity or motor control issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of DBS therapy for Parkinson's patients by improving their impulse control and overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that deep brain stimulation can impact motor control, but this specific focus on impulse control and cognitive outcomes is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, 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.