How deep brain stimulation affects thinking and memory in Parkinson's

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Researchers will recruit 55 people with Parkinson's disease who have undergone 3T‑compatible unilateral or bilateral STN‑DBS at the Medical University of South Carolina. Participants will complete one visit for consent, demographic and cognitive testing and a second visit with DBS‑compatible MRI scanning while stimulation is turned ON and OFF to measure brain network connectivity. The team will compare functional connectivity and microstructural features to participants' cognitive performance to identify patterns linked to post‑DBS cognitive decline. The goal is to use these findings to refine which patients and stimulation targets are least likely to cause unwanted cognitive side effects.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects above 18 years of age
* Individuals with a PD diagnosis as defined by the UK Brain Bank diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease (58) which have undergone a neurological and neuropsychological evaluation at MUSCs movement disorder center, and were selected to undergo 3T compatible unilateral or bilateral STN- DBS implants

Exclusion Criteria:

* Uncorrected visual or hearing impairments, as indicated by self-report
* Individuals who are pregnant or expect to become pregnant during the course of the study
* Individuals that have a history of neurological disease (other than PD) including previous stroke, major head trauma, and epilepsy or seizures.
* Individuals with claustrophobia, or the inability to lie supine position in the MRI scanner
* COPD with oxygen dependence
* Non-MRI compatible metal implants (surgical clips or staples, cardiac pacemakers etc.)

Where it's running

• Medical University of South Carolina
  Charleston, South Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Daniel Lench, PhD — Medical University of South Carolina
• Study coordinator: Recruitment Coordinator
• Email: malakout@musc.edu
• Phone: 843-792-0235

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Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.