Understanding how brain signals related to rewards are affected in Parkinson's disease
Neurophysiology of Reward Signaling in Parkinson's Disease
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 ID | NIH-11033087 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience nonmotor symptoms like depression, apathy, or impulsive behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients without Parkinson's disease or those who do not exhibit nonmotor symptoms related to reward signaling may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bick, Sarah Kathleen — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bick, Sarah Kathleen
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.