Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Local Field Potential Correlates of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease

This study is for people with Parkinson's disease who have a specific brain implant (Medtronic Percept Deep Brain Stimulation device). Researchers want to understand if certain brain signals, called Local Field Potentials, relate to common problems some people with Parkinson's experience, such as unexpected anxiety, strong urges (impulse control disorders), or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there). Participants will use their device to mark when these symptoms happen over about 120 days, while their brain activity is quietly recorded. The study hopes to find patterns that explain these symptoms better and could lead to more personalised treatments in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2028

PARKINSON DISEASE (Disorder)

What is this study about?

This study aims to discover more about why people with Parkinson's disease sometimes experience certain mental health symptoms. These can include sudden feelings of intense anxiety, difficulty controlling urges (known as impulse control disorders), or seeing and hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations). We believe that understanding the brain activity linked to these symptoms could help develop better ways to treat them.

Researchers are particularly interested in signals from a special type of brain implant called a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device, specifically the Medtronic Percept model. This device can not only help manage movement problems in Parkinson's but can also record tiny electrical signals from the brain. By looking at these signals when symptoms occur, we hope to find connections and patterns.

The information gathered from this study could be really important. It might help scientists and doctors understand the core causes of these challenging symptoms. In the long run, this knowledge could pave the way for creating more personalised treatments, perhaps by adjusting the DBS device in a way that specifically targets and reduces these problems in the future.

Key takeaways

Study is for people with Parkinson's who have a specific Medtronic Percept DBS device.
Aims to understand brain signals linked to anxiety, urges, and hallucinations.
Involves recording brain activity from existing DBS device for about 4 months.
You'll mark when symptoms happen using your device.
Hopes to lead to better, more personalised Parkinson's treatments.
Your routine medication and DBS settings will not be changed.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult over 18 and have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. A key requirement is that you must already have had a specific type of brain implant called a Medtronic Percept Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device fitted on both sides of your brain as part of your normal medical care.

You also need to be experiencing at least one of these symptoms: hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), impulse control disorder (difficulty controlling urges), or panic disorder (sudden, strong anxiety attacks).

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are under 18 or over 75, or if you don't speak English. You also can't take part if you have other serious brain conditions, a severe mental health condition like schizophrenia, or if you struggle to understand the study information. You also shouldn't be involved in other clinical studies at the same time.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 to 75 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease?
Do you currently have a Medtronic Percept DBS device implanted on both sides of your brain?
Do you experience hallucinations, impulse control disorder, or sudden anxiety attacks?
Do you speak English?
Are you able to understand and agree to the study procedures?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have some meetings where doctors will check your memory, thinking, and overall health to make sure the study is right for you. You'll also complete some questionnaires about your symptoms and how you're feeling.

For about four months (around 120 days), you'll go about your daily life. During this time, your implanted DBS device will quietly record your brain activity in the background. When you experience symptoms like anxiety, urges, or hallucinations, you'll use a special "event-marking" feature on your device to record when they happen. You won't need to change any of your medications during this period. After the four months, you'll have a final check-up to review the information gathered.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing to a better understanding of Parkinson's symptoms, which could lead to improved treatments for others in the future. You will also receive careful monitoring of your condition during the study. The main risks are minimal as the DBS device is already implanted and working as usual; the study involves recording its signals and completing assessments, which are generally safe but may involve some time commitment. You also have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Ruijin Hospital
Verified postcode
Shanghai, China
King's College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device?

It's a small medical device, like a pacemaker, implanted in your chest, with thin wires going to specific areas of your brain. It sends electrical pulses to help control symptoms of Parkinson's.

What are "Local Field Potentials"?

These are tiny electrical signals that groups of brain cells produce. The DBS device can detect these signals, giving us clues about how your brain is working.

Will my DBS settings be changed during the study?

No, your DBS device will continue to work as it normally does. The study is about recording its activity, not changing its settings.

What does "impulse control disorder" mean?

This refers to difficulties controlling urges, which can show up as problems like compulsive gambling, shopping, or overeating.

Do I have to live near the study centre?

The study involves initial and final assessments, and your device records passively during the middle period, so you may not need to visit frequently, but this is something to discuss with the research team.

How to find out more

Paul Shotbolt, PhD

paul.shotbolt@kcl.ac.uk +4402078365454 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.