Understanding how brain stimulation and dopamine shape decisions in Parkinson's
Official title: CRCNS: Computational dissection of DBS and dopamine on behavior in Parkinson's
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11538064 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Brown University will explore how targeted deep brain stimulation and dopamine levels influence decision making and motivation in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $536,391 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS153769-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11538064 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease who are candidates for or receiving cortico-subthalamic stimulation and can participate in cognitive and behavioral assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not meeting PD criteria or unable to participate in DBS-related procedures may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced brain modeling to link how the frontal cortex and basal ganglia decide between options with how dopamine and targeted brain stimulation change those choices. Researchers will combine sequential sampling models with reinforcement learning to quantify the effects of neurostimulation specifically in the sub-thalamic nucleus and dopamine modulation on impulsivity and apathy. The study builds on data from multiple species and aims to map brain circuit changes to distinct behavioral traits in Parkinson’s patients. By connecting neural activity, stimulation, and decision processes, the work could guide more precise therapies for movement and motivation issues. Enrollment would involve participants who meet PD criteria and consent to brain stimulation and related assessments under careful medical supervision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to more personalized DBS approaches and dopamine strategies that reduce impulsivity and apathy in Parkinson’s patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports that brain stimulation and dopamine can modify decision-making processes, but this study investigates targeted circuits and computational links for clearer outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frank, Michael J. — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Frank, Michael J.
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.