Brainstem Contributions to Parkinson’s Disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Brain activity during movements in Parkinson’s using using MRI and local field potential recordings from DBS implants.
IRAS ID
323232
Contact name
Nicola Ray
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
People living with Parkinson's suffer from impaired movement control, including balance and gait deficits. This study will focus on how the brain controls movement in people with Parkinson's.
Postural instability and gait disturbances (PIGDs) are some of the most disabling symptoms of Parkinson’s. Degeneration of a region of the brainstem known as the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is linked with PIGDs. Recent research has shown that the connections of the PPN with the basal ganglia (a region important for posture and gait), are a potential target to treat PIGDs. In the current study, we will investigate the role of the connections between the PPN and activity in the basal ganglia during posture and gait for the first time in humans.
To achieve this, we will take advantage of two new technological advances:
Imaging the PPN: We recently developed an imaging method to measure the structure of the PPN.
Wireless recordings directly from the basal ganglia: The Greater Manchester Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) service and the Walton Centre in Liverpool are using a new wireless Percept-Medtronic DBS device for treatment of Parkinson's disease. During surgery, electrodes are implanted in the basal ganglia to alleviate symptoms. After the electrodes are implanted, the device allows wireless recordings of brain activity. We will therefore record brain activity while the participants perform motor tasks and while they are resting. In addition, we want to understand how this brain activity changes with dopamine replacement medications.
We will recruit 60 Participants for three visits. Visit 1 will take place before DBS surgery, and will include a brain scan. At the second visit participants will complete a gait and balance assessment, EEG, activity recordings from the DBS device, and some cognitive tasks. They will perform these activities on and off medication. After 1-year DBS, the on medication testing will be repeated.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NW/0121
Date of REC Opinion
10 May 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion