Understanding how deep brain stimulation affects decision-making in Parkinson's Disease

Cortical Electrophysiology of Response Inhibition in Parkinson's Disease

Phase 4 Interventional Emory University · NCT06234995

This study tests how deep brain stimulation affects decision-making and impulse control in people with Parkinson's Disease.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorEmory University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06234995 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on executive functions in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). It examines how the location of stimulation and the size of the electrical field produced by DBS influence the brain circuits involved in response inhibition. Patients will be assessed before, during, and after the DBS implantation procedure to determine the impact on their ability to control impulsive actions. The research aims to shed light on the relationship between DBS and cognitive functions critical for daily decision-making.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's Disease who are in Hoehn and Yahr stages 2-4 and are eligible for DBS surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with severe tremor, dyskinesia, dementia, or other significant medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved DBS techniques that enhance cognitive control and reduce impulsivity in patients with Parkinson's Disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the effects of DBS on motor functions, but this specific focus on executive function and response inhibition is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Persons with Parkinson's Disease for Aim 1:

* diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD)
* Hoehn and Yahr (H\&Y) stage 2-4 (off medication)

Exclusion Criteria for Persons with Parkinson's Disease for Aim 1:

* severe tremor at rest or severe dyskinesia which would cause significant artifacts in electrophysiological signals
* inability to hold antiparkinsonian medications for research recordings
* dementia
* non-English speaker

Inclusion Criteria for Persons with Parkinson's Disease for Aim 2:

* diagnosis of idiopathic PD
* there is a clinical indication for DBS surgery
* normal preoperative MRI
* ability to tolerate microelectrode-guided neurosurgery in an awake state

Exclusion Criteria for Persons with Parkinson's Disease for Aim 2:

* presence of a coagulopathy
* uncontrolled hypertension
* heart disease
* other medical conditions considered to increase the patient's risk for surgical complications

Inclusion Criteria for Persons with Parkinson's Disease for Aim 3:

* diagnosis of idiopathic PD
* functioning DBS system

Exclusion Criteria for Persons with Parkinson's Disease for Aim 3:

* severe tremor at rest or severe dyskinesia which would cause significant artifacts in electrophysiological signals
* inability to hold antiparkinsonian medications for research recordings
* inability to tolerate temporary discontinuation of DBS therapy or alteration of stimulation settings for research purposes
* other medical conditions considered to increase the patient's risk for surgical complications

Inclusion Criteria for Healthy Controls:

* age 45-75

Exclusion Criteria for Healthy Controls:

* history of a neuropsychiatric disorder and/or treatment with psychotropic medications
* non-English speaker

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations

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 DiseaseParkinson's DiseaseDeep brain stimulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.