Using neurostimulation to improve cognitive function in Parkinson's disease
Neurostimulation of the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert for the cognitive-motor syndrome in Parkinson's disease
This study is looking at a new way to help people with Parkinson's disease who are starting to have trouble with thinking and memory by using a special type of brain stimulation to improve their brain function before dementia sets in.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11009480 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of intermittent deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert (NBM) to address cognitive decline in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). The approach aims to stabilize the cholinergic system, which is crucial for cognitive and motor functions, before dementia develops. By selecting well-characterized candidates and optimizing stimulation patterns, the study seeks to enhance cognitive-motor performance in patients with mild cognitive impairment related to PD. The research will involve advanced modeling techniques and collaboration with Boston Scientific to implement novel stimulation technology in human subjects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Parkinson's disease who are experiencing mild cognitive impairment but have not yet progressed to dementia.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced dementia or severe cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using deep brain stimulation for motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, but this approach targeting cognitive decline is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bronte-Stewart, Helen — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Bronte-Stewart, Helen
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.