Actively Recruiting
A Neural Basis for Cognitive Decline Following Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease
Led by Medical University of South Carolina · Updated on 2026-05-29
80
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating brain changes that may predict cognitive decline in people with Parkinson's Disease who undergo Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This study focuses on understanding why some patients experience worsening thinking skills after DBS surgery despite careful evaluations before treatment. It aims to improve patient selection and stimulation targeting to reduce cognitive side effects. The study will include 55 Parkinson's Disease patients scheduled for DBS surgery and 25 healthy participants without Parkinson's for comparison. Participants will undergo pre-surgery MRI scans and cognitive assessments, followed by a one-year post-surgery cognitive evaluation for the DBS group. The DBS procedure itself is part of standard clinical care. Participants will attend four visits, including screening, MRI scanning, and cognitive testing sessions before and after surgery. Researchers will collect brain imaging data and monitor changes in cognition over one year. They will also assess brain structure and function using specific MRI techniques. This longitudinal monitoring aims to identify markers linked to cognitive changes following DBS.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cognitive Decline Following Deep Brain Stimulation
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants must be 18 years of age or older
- Parkinson's Disease patients scheduled to undergo DBS surgery as part of clinical care
- Healthy control participants must be age matched and 18 years or older
You will not qualify if you...
- Uncorrected vision or hearing impairments
- Pregnant or expecting to become pregnant during the study
- Claustrophobia or inability to lie flat for MRI scanning
- COPD requiring oxygen dependence
- Presence of non-MRI compatible metal implants such as surgical clips, staples, or pacemakers
- For healthy controls: diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease or other movement disorders
- Untreated neuropsychiatric disorders
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) for pre-DBS neuropsychological evaluation and neuroimaging
Duration - Day of surgery
Participants undergo deep brain stimulation surgery as part of their routine clinical care.
Surgical procedure as part of routine care; no additional trial visits
Duration - 1 year post surgery
Participants are followed for neurocognitive assessments to monitor changes in cognition following DBS surgery.
1 neurocognitive assessment at approximately 1 year after surgery
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29425
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Daniel H Lench, PhD
G
Gonzalo J Revuelta, DO
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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