Investigating brain activity related to non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease

Investigating Inhibitory Control Networks in Parkinson's Disease

Not applicable Interventional University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT04735458

This study looks at brain activity during surgery to see how it relates to thinking problems in people with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, hoping to find new ways to help with these issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT04735458 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the brain activity linked to non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. It focuses on cognitive impairments such as response inhibition, which significantly affect the quality of life for these patients. The research involves recording brain activity during routine deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to better understand these non-motor features. By examining these aspects, the study seeks to identify potential new treatment avenues for cognitive deficiencies associated with movement disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor who are eligible for deep brain stimulation surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent or have a history of significant neurological events may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for cognitive impairments in patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored cognitive aspects of Parkinson's disease, this specific approach of investigating response inhibition during DBS surgery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Eligible for surgery based on multi-disciplinary consensus review
* Have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or Essential Tremor
* Have a diagnosis of medically-refractory movement disorder (Parkinson's disease, Essential Tremor, or dystonia)
* Willingness to participate in the paradigms described in the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to provide full and informed consent
* Age younger than 18
* Are not able to participate in study-related activities
* History of prior ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, subdural hemorrhage, or seizure

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Parkinson Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.