Understanding brain activity related to cognitive issues in Parkinson's disease

Corticostriatal Neurophysiology in Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Impairment

Not applicable Interventional Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT04715984

This study is trying to see how brain activity is linked to thinking problems in people with Parkinson's disease by recording brain signals during surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT04715984 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate the brain activity associated with cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. By utilizing neural recordings from corticostriatal structures during deep brain stimulation surgery, researchers will measure the neural activity that underlies nonmotor symptoms of the disease. The approach involves direct observation of brain function in a clinical setting, providing valuable insights into the cognitive aspects of Parkinson's disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 and older who are scheduled for deep brain stimulation surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Not a fit: Patients under 40 years old or those with movement disorders other than Parkinson's disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on deep brain stimulation and Parkinson's disease, this specific focus on cognitive impairment through neural recordings is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Scheduled to undergo deep brain stimulation surgery under local anesthesia at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
* Planned clinical electrode trajectory that contacts caudate
* Age greater than or equal to 40
* Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
* Able to participate in intraoperative testing
* English speaking

Exclusion criteria:

* Age less than 40
* Not able to participate in intraoperative testing (for example unable to comprehend instructions or follow directions)
* Movement disorder other than Parkinson's disease

Where this trial is running

Nashville, Tennessee

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 DiseaseDeep Brain Stimulation
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.