Adaptive Approach Avoidance Conflict
We use intracerebral LFP recordings to identify neural substrates of human approach/avoidance choice behavior during a decision-making task designed to quantify conflicts. The goal of this project is to identify nodes of the brain circuit where electrical stimulation can effectively modulate approach avoidance behavior as new therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression.
Intermittent Stimulation and Learning in Patients with Deep Brain Stimulators
The aim of this study is to determine whether selective high – frequency stimulation through DBS electrodes can alter visual – motor learning performance and decision making in humans.
Motor correlates and neurofeedback control of cortical rhythms in Parkinson’s Disease
In this study, we investigate how moment-to-moment fluctuations in motor performance, observed in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, are reflected in cortical and basal ganglia neural activities that are also associated with the disease. By gaining a better understanding of these fluctuations, we can develop more effective closed-loop control strategies for neural stimulation.
Individual variability in iPSC Reprogramming Potential
In this study we are collaborating with Dr. Kim to grow cultures of fibroblasts from skin samples of Parkinson’s disease patients. We are assessing the feasibility of this process, as well as investigating the variability between patients in the ability of their fibroblasts to be safety and effectively reprogrammed into iPSC.
Adaptive DBS Algorithm for Personalized Therapy
This is an international multicenter study sponsored by Medtronic to assess the safety and effectiveness of adaptive DBS for Parkinson’s Disease. This study tests two different aDBS modes (dual threshold and single threshold), that react differently to the same neural signal sensed by the DBS.
Beta Localization and analysis of beta Features
This project focuses on localization and characterization of beta oscillations using sensing-enabled deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s patients. Using novel analytical methods, we aspire to improve the clinical outcome of DBS programming, as well as to take steps towards elucidating and modeling the physiological mechanism underlying beta oscillations.
Outcomes and Decisions at End of Life in Patients with Deep Brain Stimulators
This study investigates decision making and outcomes at the end of life in Parkinson’s disease patients who have deep brain stimulator devices. This data collection examines the frequency that patients opt to proceed with battery replacement for their DBS devices and what variables factor into these decisions.
Effect of Intraoperative Neurophysiology on Outcomes after Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Our team works with intraoperative data to study the relationship between neurophysiology parameters and patient outcomes after deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Our project seeks to gain insight into the long-term effects of DBS and explore possible clinical applications.
Registry of Deep Brain Stimulation with the VERCISE System
This is a registry study to collect real-world information on the effects of the Boston Scientific DBS, Vercise, for treatments of patients with Parkinson’s disease.
A Pre-Gene Therapy Study of Early Parkinson’s or Multiple System Atrophy Progression by Longitudinal, Clinical, and Biomarker Assessments
Patients with early Parkinson’s disease or Possible / Probable Multiple System Atrophy will be followed over a period of about 18 months to better understand how these diseases develop over time. The study sponsor is developing gene therapy treatments for PD and MSA, so the information collected in this study as well as biomarker data collected from these participants will contribute to the development of a future gene-therapy study for these patient populations.