Official Title: Impact of Frequency-specific Subthalamic Nucleus Subregion Stimulation on Inhibitory Control in Parkinson's Disease
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title: "Frequency-Specific Subthalamic DBS (NCT07022522)" description: Clinical trial studying frequency-specific subthalamic nucleus subregion stimulation on inhibitory control in Parkinson disease published: true tags: section:clinical-trials, kind:clinical-trial, topic:parkinsons, state:published editor: markdown
Frequency-Specific Subthalamic DBS (NCT07022522)
Study Overview
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
NCT Number: NCT07022522
Official Title: Impact of Frequency-specific Subthalamic Nucleus Subregion Stimulation on Inhibitory Control in Parkinson's Disease
Study Type: Interventional (Clinical Trial)
Status: Recruiting
Study Start Date: January 2025
Estimated Completion: December 2027
Background and Rationale
Subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for advanced [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), demonstrating efficacy for motor symptoms including tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. However, the effects of STN-DBS on cognitive functions, particularly inhibitory control and impulse control disorders, remain incompletely understood.
Traditional STN-DBS uses high-frequency stimulation (130-180 Hz), which effectively treats motor symptoms but may have differential effects on various cognitive domains. Recent advances in DBS technology enable frequency-specific targeting of distinct STN subregions, potentially allowing optimization of both motor and cognitive outcomes.
This study investigates whether frequency-specific stimulation of different STN subregions can differentially affect inhibitory control—the ability to suppress inappropriate or impulsive responses—in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Study Objectives
Primary Objective
To evaluate the effect of frequency-specific STN subregion stimulation on inhibitory control in patients with Parkinson's disease, as measured by Go/No-Go task performance.
Secondary Objectives
Compare motor symptom control across different stimulation frequencies
Assess quality of life and neuropsychological outcomes
Identify optimal frequency parameters for combined motor and cognitive benefit
Characterize the relationship between STN subregion anatomy and stimulation response
Methods
Study Design
Design: Randomized, double-blind, cross-over study
Participants: Patients with idiopathic PD who are candidates for STN-DBS (n≈40)
Lead Site: Movement Disorder Center, Academic Medical Center, Netherlands
Collaborating Sites: 3 European movement disorder centers
Expected Outcomes
Frequency-dependent effects: Identification of optimal stimulation frequency for inhibitory control
Subregion mapping: Anatomical-functional mapping of STN subregions
Clinical guidelines: Evidence-based recommendations for DBS programming
Patient selection: Identification of patients most likely to benefit from specific frequency settings
Clinical Significance
Impulse control disorders (ICDs) affect 10-30% of Parkinson's disease patients, particularly those on dopaminergic therapy. STN-DBS can either improve or worsen impulse control depending on stimulation parameters. This study will provide crucial data for:
Optimizing DBS programming to minimize ICD risk
Understanding STN subregion anatomy and function
Developing personalized DBS approaches for cognitive outcomes
Improving overall quality of life in PD patients undergoing DBS
Relationship to Existing Knowledge
This trial builds on prior work:
[Deep Brain Stimulation Mechanisms in PD](/mechanisms/deep-brain-stimulation-parkinsons)
[Subthalamic Nucleus in Motor Control](/mechanisms/subthalamic-nucleus-parkinsons)
[Impulse Control Disorders in Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)