Theta stimulation to enhance cognitive function in Parkinson's disease

Theta Deep Brain Stimulation for Cognitive Enhancement in Parkinson's Disease

NA · University of British Columbia · NCT06518824

This study is testing if a special type of brain stimulation can help improve thinking skills in people with Parkinson's disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment27 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia (other)
Locations1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT06518824 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to evaluate the effects of theta deep brain stimulation (DBS) on cognitive processing in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). By targeting the associative circuitry of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), the study will compare cognitive task performance during theta stimulation versus a control condition. The study will recruit 27 subjects from the Vancouver General Hospital DBS clinic, utilizing a double-blind, randomized, cross-over design to ensure unbiased results. Participants will be monitored for their ability to complete cognitive tasks while receiving different stimulation conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with Parkinson's disease who have deep brain stimulation systems and are at least three months post-operative.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to complete cognitive tasks due to language barriers or advanced dementia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using theta stimulation in this context is novel, previous studies have shown promise in using DBS for cognitive enhancement in other conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Those with STN DBS devices
* Those with pre- and post-operative imaging
* Those that are at least 3 months post-operative

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those unable to complete the cognitive task (due to language barriers or dementia)
* Those with significant DBS complications

Where this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Parkinson Disease, Cognitive Impairment, Theta Stimulation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.