Left vs right subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation: how it changes thinking and mood 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 compare how turning DBS off in the left hemisphere versus the right hemisphere affects cognitive and psychiatric symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease who already have STN-DBS. The trial uses a crossover-like design where participants are assessed in DBS-off states for each hemisphere to see if laterality influences outcomes. The study builds on prior findings that DBS improves motor symptoms and may impact non-motor symptoms, but exact effects by stimulation side are not yet clear. Enrollment requires language fluency in German or French, and sufficient cognitive function, with clear safety exclusions for other brain conditions or severe psychiatric issues. Results could clarify whether left- or right-sided STN stimulation offers different benefits for cognition and mood.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
* Treated with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS)
* For part I: General research consent for the analysis of routine clinical data
* For part II of the study: ability to provide informed consent
* native German or French speaker
* Montreal Cognitive Assessment with score ≥ 20

Exclusion Criteria:

* Atypical Parkinsonism
* Other disease affecting the brain (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, non-provoked epilepsy, brain tumour, etc.)
* Haemorrhage during implantation of STN-DBS, which resulted in permanent cognitive or physical impairment
* Schizophrenia, ongoing substance abuse, bipolar disorder or autism
* For part II: Severe depressive disorder and/or suicidality
* Insufficient quality or lack of brain imaging data pre and/or post STN-DBS

Where it's running

• University Hospital Inselspital, Berne
  Bern, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Deborah Amstutz, PhD
• Email: deborah.amstutz@insel.ch
• Phone: +41 31 66 4 05 67

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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.