---
title: Improve attention memory and walking
nct_id: NCT05968703
phase: NA
status: RECRUITING
sponsor: Helen M. Bronte-Stewart
study_type: INTERVENTIONAL
canonical_url: "https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT05968703"
clinicaltrials_gov: "https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05968703"
last_fetched: "2026-05-10T14:01:44.716Z"
source: "Parkinson's Pathways (curated)"
---
# Improve attention memory and walking

**Goal (in five words):** Improve attention memory and walking

**Official Title:** Neurostimulation of the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert for the Cognitive-Motor Syndrome in Parkinson's Disease

**Trial ID:** [NCT05968703](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05968703)

## Key Facts

- **Phase:** NA
- **Status:** RECRUITING
- **Study Type:** INTERVENTIONAL
- **Sponsor:** Helen M. Bronte-Stewart
- **Target Enrollment:** 10 participants
- **Start Date:** 2025-04-08
- **Completion Date:** 2027-01-31
- **Conditions:** Parkinson's Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment
- **Interventions:** Combined STN+NBM DBS
- **Intervention Types:** DEVICE

## Summary For Families

The goal is to treat the cognitive-motor syndrome in Parkinson's, where trouble with attention, memory and multitasking makes walking and daily activities harder. Surgeons will implant deep brain stimulation electrodes in both the subthalamic nucleus to control motor symptoms and the nucleus basalis of Meynert to stimulate cholinergic pathways; NBM stimulation aims to boost cortical acetylcholine to improve attention, executive function and dual-task walking. The stimulator is used alongside usual Parkinson's medications, and you may be asked to temporarily stop meds for certain research visits so researchers can measure effects clearly. The trial is looking for people ages 21 to 80 with Parkinson's who are approved or planning for STN DBS, can give consent and pause meds for visits, and who do not have dementia, uncontrolled psychiatric illness, a seizure history, pregnancy, or need an assistive device to walk 100 feet.

## Eligibility

- **Minimum age:** 21 Years
- **Maximum age:** 80 Years
- **Sex:** ALL

### Full Criteria

```
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD)
* Approved (or planning on) for subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS)
* Willingness to withdraw from clinical medication regimen when necessary for research visits
* Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Dementia
* Unstable medical, psychiatric conditions including significant untreated depression, history of suicidal attempt, or current suicide ideation
* History of seizures
* Pregnant
* Requires MRI
* Unable to walk 100 feet without an assistive device
```

## Locations (1)

- Stanford Neuroscience Health Center, Stanford, California, United States _(37.4241, -122.1661)_
  - Study Coordinator — (CONTACT) — 650-723-6709 — bronte-stewart-lab@stanford.edu

## Central Contacts

- Study Coordinator — (CONTACT) — 650-723-6709 — bronte-stewart-lab@stanford.edu

---

*Canonical: https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT05968703*  
*HTML version: https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT05968703*  
*Source data: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05968703*