Could zapping the brain lift mood in Parkinson's?

NCT ID NCT03131817

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Simon J. Little, MBBS, PhD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether stimulating the front part of the brain could improve mood and behavioral symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease. Five participants received a special brain device that could record and stimulate brain activity. The goal was to see if this approach could help with depression, anxiety, and motivation. The study was very small and early, so results are not conclusive.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Medtronic Activa PC+S brain stimulation device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a new way to treat mood and behavioral symptoms in Parkinson's disease using brain stimulation.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early study with only 5 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The approach is still experimental and needs much larger trials.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

UCSF Surgical Movement Disorders Center

San Francisco, California, 94115, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.