Understanding how brain signals related to rewards are affected in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Neurophysiology of Reward Signaling in Parkinson's Disease
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11033087 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain processes rewards in people with Parkinson's disease, especially those dealing with feelings of depression and impulsive actions, to find better ways to help manage these symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $176,079 |
| NIH project number | 1K08NS140767-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033087 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 nonmotor symptoms like depression, apathy, or impulsive behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Parkinson's disease or those who do not exhibit nonmotor symptoms related to reward signaling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the changes in brain signaling related to rewards in individuals with Parkinson's disease, focusing on symptoms like depression and impulsive behaviors. By utilizing human intracranial recordings during neurosurgical procedures, the study aims to characterize the neurophysiology of reward signaling in specific brain regions, including the subthalamic nucleus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The research will also explore how stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus affects these reward signals, which could lead to improved treatment strategies for nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better therapies for managing nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, such as depression and impulsivity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding reward signaling in Parkinson's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bick, Sarah Kathleen — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bick, Sarah Kathleen
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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.