Deep brain stimulation for cognitive issues in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Neurostimulation of the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert for the Cognitive-Motor Syndrome in Parkinson's Disease
Run by Stanford University · NCT05968703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new deep brain stimulation method to see if it can help improve thinking and movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease who have mild cognitive issues.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05968703 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who are approved or planning for STN deep brain stimulation and are willing to modify their medication regimen for the study.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with dementia, unstable medical or psychiatric conditions, or those requiring MRI may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the safety and tolerability of a novel deep brain stimulation (DBS) approach targeting both the Subthalamic Nucleus (STN) and the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert (NBM) to address cognitive and cognitive-motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The study aims to enroll ten participants who will receive four DBS leads, two in the STN and two in the NBM, utilizing innovative stimulation patterns to improve cognitive function. Participants will undergo modifications to the traditional DBS approach, with a focus on cognitive outcomes. The trial seeks to determine if this combined approach is safe and tolerable for patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance cognitive function and quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease experiencing mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: While deep brain stimulation has been used for motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, this combined approach targeting cognitive symptoms is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) * Approved (or planning on) for subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) * Willingness to withdraw from clinical medication regimen when necessary for research visits * Ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Dementia * Unstable medical, psychiatric conditions including significant untreated depression, history of suicidal attempt, or current suicide ideation * History of seizures * Pregnant * Requires MRI * Unable to walk 100 feet without an assistive device
Where it's running
-
Stanford Neuroscience Health Center
Stanford, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Helen M Bronte-Stewart, MD MSE — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
- Email: bronte-stewart-lab@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650-723-6709
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.