This clinical trial investigates the circuit mechanisms underlying deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Unlike traditional DBS which delivers constant electrical stimulation, this observational study aims to understand how DBS modulates neural circuits to produce its therapeutic effects. By characterizing the neural circuits involved, this research seeks to optimize DBS targeting and stimulation parameters for improved patient outcomes.
The study represents a shift from "what works" to "why it works" — using advanced neural recording and behavioral assessments to map the circuit-basis of DBS therapeutic mechanisms.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| NCT Number | NCT05658302 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | Not Applicable (Observational) |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota |
| Study Type | Observational |
| Enrollment | 30 participants (estimated) |
| Start Date | March 28, 2023 |
| Completion Date | March 1, 2028 |
| Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
Despite decades of DBS use for Parkinson's disease, the precise neural mechanisms remain incompletely understood. DBS is believed to work through multiple pathways:
This study uses behavioral paradigms and neural recordings to disentangle these mechanisms.
The "circuit-based" framework views PD as a circuit disorder — where dysfunction in specific neural circuits (rather than single brain regions) produces symptoms. By mapping which circuits are modulated during different behaviors, researchers can:
The trial uses several behavioral paradigms to probe circuit function:
Reach-related tasks assess motor cortex and corticospinal circuit function. Patients perform reaching movements while neural signals are recorded, allowing researchers to examine:
The N-back task is a working memory paradigm that probes prefrontal cortex and frontostriatal circuits:
This assesses cognitive circuit function, which can be impaired in PD even in early stages.
Standardized assessments evaluate classical PD motor symptoms:
The study likely employs sensing-enabled DBS electrodes (such as Medtronic Percept PC) that can record local field potentials (LFPs) from deep brain structures:
The primary target of DBS research:
Working memory and skill learning:
Increasingly recognized in PD:
Understanding circuit mechanisms enables:
This mechanistic research supports the development of next-generation DBS: