Recruiting · registry status

Understanding thinking changes after brain stimulation surgery

Researchers are studying how an implanted brain stimulator affects brain networks involved in thinking in people with Parkinson’s.

Learning by observing or collecting information · Study reference: NCT06960096

Plain-language introduction written with AI from the registry; not independently checked by a clinician. Read the original details below ↓

Open the official registry record ↗

Who can join?

Age 18 years and over · Also accepts healthy volunteers

These are starting points, not the full rules. The research team can tell you whether the study is right for your situation.

Read all the rules for taking part

Sex eligibility reported by registry: all

Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects above 18 years of age * Individuals with a PD diagnosis as defined by the UK Brain Bank diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease (58) which have undergone a neurological and neuropsychological evaluation at MUSCs movement disorder center, and were selected to undergo 3T compatible unilateral or bilateral STN- DBS implants Exclusion Criteria: * Uncorrected visual or hearing impairments, as indicated by self-report * Individuals who are pregnant or expect to become pregnant during the course of the study * Individuals that have a history of neurological disease (other than PD) including previous stroke, major head trauma, and epilepsy or seizures. * Individuals with claustrophobia, or the inability to lie supine position in the MRI scanner * COPD with oxygen dependence * Non-MRI compatible metal implants (surgical clips or staples, cardiac pacemakers etc.)

Full study name & original research details

Official study title

A Neural Basis for Cognitive Decline Following Deep Brain Stimulation: A DBS-fMRI Study

Short title used by the registry

Cognitive Decline Following Deep Brain Stimulation: A DBS-fMRI Study

Original description

The objective of this research study is to understand how Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN) affects cognitive networks in the brain, potentially leading to cognitive decline in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). A total of 55 participants with PD who have undergone DBS surgery will be recruited from MUSC's Clinical DBS Program. Participants will attend two post-DBS visits: a 3-hour visit for consent, demographic, and cognitive assessments, and a 3-hour DBS-MRI visit to evaluate brain network connectivity with stimulation ON and OFF. These findings will help improve patient selection for surgery and optimize the selection of stimulation targets that minimize undesirable cognitive side effects.

Further description from the registry

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a well-established surgical intervention to treat Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients with disabling motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. Although this therapy is effective for motor complications, a subset of patients will go on to experience cognitive decline, which can overshadow improvements in the quality of life provided by STN-DBS. This accelerated decline in cognition occurs in patients despite rigorous evaluation of their neuropsychological status prior to surgery. While the factors contributing to cognitive decline following DBS remain unclear, there is evidence this may be the result of 1) limited cognitive reserve prior to DBS surgery, 2) stimulation that interferes with cognitive networks, and/or 3) a microlesion effect due to placement of the lead. This research seeks to identify how DBS-induced changes in neural connectivity contribute to cognitive decline and how brain microstructure influences these changes. Understanding how these factors has the potential to improve patient selection for surgery and optimize the selection of stimulation targets that minimize undesirable cognitive side effects.

Conditions reported: Deep Brain Stimulation; Parkinson Disease

Study type: Observational
Interventions: DBS combined with fMRI
Phases: Not reported
Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina
Start date reported by registry: 2025-08-21 (actual)

Registry updated: 2026-10-08 · Status last verified by the registry submitter: 2026-10

Registry records retrieved 2026-10-11 (UTC). Individual records may have older updates. Recruitment and eligibility must be confirmed with the study team.

Contact the research team

Public study contacts supplied to the registry. Ask whether recruitment is still open and what participation involves.

Recruitment Coordinator · 843-792-0235 · malakout@musc.edu

Study locations

Site status can differ from overall study status. “Status not reported” means local availability needs confirmation. Remote participation and travel arrangements must be checked with the team.

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Recruiting

Daniel H. Lench, Phd · 843-792-9115 · lenchd@musc.edu

The original descriptions and participation rules come from the registry. Participation is voluntary and does not guarantee benefit.