Understanding how the brain controls motivation and behavior in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Deciphering Neuronal Control of Behavioral Initiation and Suppression
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10933443 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain affects motivation and actions in people with Parkinson's disease, especially when it comes to starting or stopping movements, and aims to find new ways to help improve these challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $417,500 |
| NIH project number | 5DP5OD036140-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933443 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 difficulties with motivation and behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Parkinson's disease or those who do not exhibit symptoms of impaired motivation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms behind motivation and behavior in individuals with Parkinson's disease, focusing on how patients struggle to start or stop actions due to impaired motivation. Using advanced techniques like optogenetics, researchers will study specific brain circuits in mice to understand how these circuits influence behavior. By examining the globus pallidus, a key brain area affected in Parkinson's, the research aims to uncover the underlying causes of these debilitating symptoms. The ultimate goal is to develop new treatments that can effectively address these challenges faced by patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve motivation and behavioral control in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using optogenetics in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding brain function and behavior.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferenczi, Emily Anne — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ferenczi, Emily Anne
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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.