Brain zap study reveals secrets of speech learning

NCT ID NCT07455760

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at how two brain areas—the subthalamic nucleus and the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus—help us learn and produce speech. Researchers will temporarily turn deep brain stimulation (DBS) on or off in 80 people with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor while they practice saying new sound sequences. The goal is to understand how DBS affects speech learning, which may lead to better DBS settings that improve both movement and speech.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the subthalamic nucleus or ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus

What this could lead to

If successful, this research could guide doctors in fine-tuning DBS settings to better preserve or improve speech in people with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage observational study with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The temporary turning off of DBS may cause discomfort or temporary worsening of symptoms.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

essential tremor Parkinson disease speech disorder Stuttering

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Boston University

    RECRUITING

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact